By Justin Felder - bio | email
HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) – Playing through the pain isn't an expression, it's a lifestyle for this WMBF News Athlete of the Week.
"At first when I couldn't walk, I felt really down, but I'm glad I'm still playing," said Carolina Forest senior basketball player Julia Crews.
Crews was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at a young age causing pain in her joints. At first, it seemed severe.
"Her parents said when she was born they basically said they didn't think she'd ever walk," said Carolina Forest head coach Stacy Hughes.
Crews says she remembers being confined to a bed for a time. Her arthritis made every day living tough.
"Going to classes, teachers sometimes had to carry me," said Crews.
Crews says physical therapy and taking medicine helped get her to a place where she can do pretty much anything she wants. She still feels pain in her joints after practices and games, but coaches and teammates marvel that they rarely, if ever, hear her complain.
"She has a heart for the game," said Hughes. "She's gone through pain to play the game the game of basketball. It's her passion. She's amazing."
As a senior, Crews has been asked to lead Carolina Forest's team after losing a lot of talent after last season. She's responded well, and some small colleges are talking to her about continuing her basketball career with them.
After a recent win over West Florence, Crews revealed that maybe the best prescription for pain is the game she loves so much.
"My joints hurt, but I feel...I don't know, but I feel really good after a game," said Crews.
Copyright 2010 WMBF News. All rights reserved.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2012 WorldNow and WMBF, a Raycom Media Station.
