Joana Lopes works hard to return to the fields

Almost a year ago, Joana Lopes was confronted with a serious knee injury, which drove her away from basketball and threw her into a long, and often painful recovery process. It wasn't easy times. For some time, the return to the fields of one of the best players of her generation was at stake, but thanks to her work, dedication and strength to believe, Joana Lopes is already beginning to integrate the trainings of the women's CAB team and work intensively in her physical and psychological preparation. The goal is to get back to the competition, but something that will happen in a normal, gradual and pressureless way. The return of Joana Lopes is good news for the club and for the senior team, which will be reinforced with a high quality contribution. However, for the time being there are no definite deadlines for return, with the club and the athlete working daily and very carefully to ensure full and effective recovery. The CAB's Official Site reached the conversation with the player and asked her about the recovery process and the challenges she had to face during the same. Here's the record of the conversation: How's your recovery going? An injury is synonymous with a less good stage in a player's career. We are required to persevere in our search for our best form, with several obstacles being overcome. However, the desire to play again has been greater than all the unforeseen events that have arisen, so I can say that my recovery has been very positive, being back on the field soon. Is it hard not to be able to do what you like most in life? Basketball has been a part of my life since I was 9, so this has been a complicated phase for me. What has been your greatest motivation in this period? Go back to doing what I like best. Some people doubted your ability to play again... What made you think you could beat the odds and rule the fields? I never doubted my abilities, so other people's doubts never bothered me. My strength and will have always been based on intrinsic and never extrinsic motives. What message would you leave to players who are dealing with injuries or trying to get back in their best shape? Nothing in life is done without sacrifice. The secret is to believe and never give up.