Sometimes it’s the unexpected turns that lead us to the discovery of strength. For 15-year-old Mercy, a student at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida, her world was turned upside down during a routine volleyball practice. A simple jump over a track hurdle during conditioning ended in a devastating ACL and meniscus tear, stripping away her identity as an athlete and leaving her with more questions than answers.
With a family history of positive experiences at Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville, Mercy’s mom knew exactly where to turn. Her older brothers had received exceptional care at the hospital, and she had no doubt that Mercy would receive the same level of expertise and compassion. The hospital’s reputation for excellence in pediatric care, combined with its role as the Official Sports Medicine Providers for The Bolles School, made it the ideal choice for Mercy’s care.
Upon arriving at Nemours Children’s, Mercy and her family were greeted by a team of dedicated professionals who comforted their worries. In the days that followed, Mercy underwent a series of tests including an MRI that confirmed she had torn her ACL and meniscus. The diagnosis was a blow, both physically and emotionally. Volleyball wasn’t just a sport to Mercy, it was the center of her world. In a school essay titled “Torn but Not Broken,” Mercy wrote, “Everything I had built, my identity, was stripped away.” The sport had given her so much joy and purpose. “You never know how much you rely on something until it is all gone,” she wrote. “No practice, no games, no tournaments, just rehab, crutches, and questions I wasn’t ready to answer.” The injury had not only affected her physical well-being but also her sense of self.
Her care team, led by Dr. Jason Read and Dr. Stephanie Pearce, played a pivotal role in Mercy’s journey. “The doctors and staff at Nemours have been incredible—so kind, compassionate, and thorough,” shares Mercy’s mom. “They took the time to answer all of our questions and really helped us feel at ease.” Dr. Read, with his reassuring presence, made an immediate impact. “Dr. Read has such a wonderful personality, and he immediately made Mercy feel comfortable even before we knew the diagnosis,” her mom adds. When the MRI results came in, Dr. Read called right away, providing clear explanations and even helping Mercy’s mom share the news with her daughter, a gesture that meant a lot to them.
Dr. Pearce and her team further solidified the family’s trust and confidence. “From the moment we met her, we knew she was the perfect fit,” says Mercy’s mom. “She set us up for success from the beginning—connecting us with the best physical therapist, sports nutritionist, and even sports therapy to help Mercy process everything.” In a time filled with unknowns, Dr. Pearce and her team provided the guidance and support needed to navigate the recovery process. The surgery with Dr. Pearce went smoothly and the follow-up appointments even became a source of encouragement and motivation. “Follow-ups became something we looked forward to, as they always encouraged and challenged Mercy in the best way,” her mom reflects.
In her essay, Mercy wrote, “I thought the hardest part would be the surgery; it wasn’t. The hardest part was the stillness, the months where I had nothing to chase, nothing to strive for except bending my knee a little further or walking without a limp.” Despite the challenges, the support and care she received at Nemours Children’s and through sports therapy made all the difference.
Recovery was more than just a physical challenge for Mercy. In her essay, she reflects, “Recovery humbled me in ways I never expected. It wasn’t just physical; it was mental. I had to learn how to sit with my frustration, how to celebrate small wins like straightening my leg or climbing stairs.” She started to realize that she is more than just volleyball and athletics. “I became more supportive of my teammates, not just as a player, but as a friend. I grew more patient, more grounded. I wasn’t just healing my knee; I was rebuilding myself,” Mercy writes. This experience has not only made her a stronger individual but also a better teammate.
With her experience at Nemours Children’s behind her, Mercy now looks to the future. Her mom expresses her gratitude, saying, “We are very grateful for the tremendous care Mercy received during and after surgery. Her recovery has gone well, and we feel confident in the continued support and guidance from her care team.” She is not only excited to return to the volleyball court but also hopeful about continuing to play at the next level, a testament to her unwavering spirit and the expertise of her medical team.
To other parents with elite athletes navigating sports injuries, Mercy’s mom offers this advice, “Trust the process and take it one step at a time. It can feel overwhelming in the beginning, but with the right doctors, support, and resources, it does get better. Lean on the team around you, ask every question you have, and don’t be afraid to speak up if you’re unsure about something. Celebrate the small milestones along the way, because they add up. Most of all, stay positive and encourage your child—they are stronger than they realize, and recovery truly is possible.”
This has been a very transformative journey for Mercy. “I now know what it’s like to be on the outside looking in, and I’ll never take the game or my health for granted again,” she writes. “I won’t be the same player, but maybe that’s not a bad thing. Maybe I’ll be a better teammate, a smarter athlete, and a more balanced person. I’ve found strength I didn’t know I had, and when I finally step back onto that court, it won’t just be a comeback. It’ll be a transformation.”
After fully recovering from her initial injury, Mercy faced a new setback when she tore her other knee shortly after returning to the court. However, this time around, Mercy is feeling more prepared. Having navigated the recovery process before, Mercy and her family were empowered by their previous experience, trusting the skilled team at Nemours to guide them through the journey once again. With a deeper understanding of what to expect, Mercy is tackling this latest injury with strength and determination. She is an incredible elite athlete and Nemours Children’s is proud to be part of her journey.
