By Bryce McKinnis
Only a freshman, Sequoyah-Claremore’s Sarah El Talea is one of the school’s most promising athletic talents. Starring in softball, basketball and soccer, opposing schools will have to get comfortable hearing her name from the P.A. announcer year-round.
“I started playing basketball in the third grade when I was 9 years old,” El Talea said. “I started playing because my mom played when she was in high school and all of my friends were playing, so my mom signed me up for camp the summer before, and I loved it.”
But even players of El Talea’s talent are not immune to the misfortune every athlete is bound to suffer at some point in their career: injuries.
“The hardest thing I have faced so far is my knee injury,” El Talea said. “In February, I dislocated my kneecap for the second time. I ended up having to have knee surgery at the end of April, a lateral release and reconstruction of my patellar tendon. They cleaned up my torn meniscus.”
A situation that was already discouraging turned worse for El Talea, whose varsity career still hasn’t launched as it properly deserves.
“The original plan was for me to be back in October, but a few weeks ago, my surgeon said I won’t be back for basketball. This has been really challenging physically and mentally, but it just makes me want to keep striving to come back stronger,” El Talea said.
As is her unique talent, El Talea’s resilience is a core trait of her athletic success. To be able to push through challenges, like this one, is her favorite accomplishment so far.
“Basketball has taught me that I am mentally tougher than I thought I was,” El Talea said. “It has also taught me hard work ethic, and if you want to be good at something, you have to put in the time. It’s not just going to come over night.”
El Talea also prioritizes her teammates’ success. She knows that even without her presence on the court, she can impact the game.
“I can still listen and learn at practices and work in some drills, and I can help my team by coaching them up and being supportive and positive — and, also, always showing up for them,” El Talea said. “It makes me more motivated to get better and come back physically and mentally stronger.”
As far as El Talea is concerned, as soon as she can step back on the diamond, court or pitch, it’s off to the races.
“I want to improve my skills and become a better athlete and teammate,” El Talea said, “and hopefully make it to the state tournament.”
While there’s still plenty of time to consider her future, El Talea is eager for the opportunity to play college sports
