Beyond the Score, Ep. 66: Crook County’s Paige Wood makes emotional return to volleyball court
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ)--A year ago, Crook County senior Paige Wood was told she might never walk or play volleyball again after suffering serious injuries in a car accident. On Wednesday, after countless surgeries and hours of rehabilitation, Wood made her return to the court on Senior Night, creating a moment she once never thought possible.
“It’s an honor, to be on this team, to get to play with all the other seniors tonight and all the girls on our team. But it’s so cool because a year ago, you would have made me laugh in the hospital if you told me I’d be here tonight,” Wood said.
Wood served to open the match, marking an emotional milestone in her recovery. Although she is still working toward regaining her full strength, the opportunity to be back on the court meant everything to her.
“I’m so excited. And I hope, if my mom sees this, she knows I wish she was here. But I know she’s where she needs to be... but tonight, I’m going out and playing for them,” Wood said.
Wood’s mother, Heidi, was unable to attend because she had to be with her other daughter out of town. Wood made sure to recognize the family support that helped her navigate an incredibly difficult year.
“I couldn’t have gotten through this by myself if it wasn’t for them. Truly, we all got through this,” Wood said. “Everybody has their own problems, but everybody’s stepping up, pushing their best through it and being so supportive of me. And I think that’s awesome.”
The road back has not been easy. Wood said the past year has been filled with physical and emotional challenges as she adjusted to life after the accident and worked to return to the sports she loves.
“Honestly, I’m not going to sugarcoat it. It’s been horrible this last year. It’s been a lot as an athlete," Wood said.
Still, Wednesday’s return was about more than volleyball. It was a reminder of how far Wood has come and the goals she continues to chase.
With track season on the horizon, Wood has her sights set on reaching the state meet and building on the progress she has made throughout her recovery.
“I want to make it to state this year in track. I am obviously, like I said, personal training, and I plan to hopefully be a lot stronger this year,” Wood said. “I am so, so, so excited for this track season because I’ll be able to do a lot more, especially on my knee. I really look forward to it, and I’m just waiting to get back out there because this is my season.”
For Wood, Senior Night marked a return she once could only dream of. After a year defined by recovery, resilience and the support of her family, she is back on the court and already looking forward to what comes next.
