Amber Gray's comeback will bring her back to Knoxville in two weeks.
The Tennessee women's basketball player, who underwent brain surgery in July for an aneurysm, said Thursday that she's scheduled to return to town Oct. 16.
"I feel like God has given me a second chance,'' said Gray, who's been recuperating at home in West Chester, Ohio. "I'm ready to get with it."
The 6-foot-1 forward, who also underwent shoulder surgery in July after her freshman season, plans to continue her recovery here with an eye toward re-enrolling at Tennessee in the second semester. Until then, her involvement with the program is subject to approval.
"We don't have the final what we can and cannot do,'' UT coach Pat Summitt said. "That has to come from the SEC and NCAA."
Gray underwent a 12 1/2 hour surgical procedure at the University of Cincinnati's Neuroscience Institute this summer that essentially saved her life. The aneurysm was discovered after complications ensued following shoulder surgery on July 2.
Gray said she will undergo a three-hour test today to check her memory. She has limited recall of her medical ordeal, which actually might be beneficial.
"I remember some things,'' Gray said. "I think in a way it's better that I don't remember everything. Even the doctors are saying it's better I don't remember everything. It wasn't an easy time."
Gray has progressed to the weight room with her lower-body workouts, but she is not able to run yet.
"I still have a little limp going on,'' she said.
Gray has an appointment Oct. 15 with Dr. Mario Zurcarella, who performed the brain surgery, before joining fellow Lady Vol Shekinna Stricklen in the Knoxville apartment they will share.
"She's been down here a couple times for the weekend and I've been like her taxi,'' Stricklen said.
While that's fine, Stricklen prefers being Gray's teammate again.
"I'm so ready for her to get back; she's ready to be back,'' Stricklen said. "We're like the closest two on the team. I really miss her."
Stricklen thinks all of the Lady Vols will benefit from Gray's presence.
"Even though she can't practice with us or go through workouts with us, knowing what she's been through and she's still standing strong - that will motivate us all,'' Stricklen said. "Having her here is going to pick this team up."
The pick-me-up figures to be mutual.
"I can't wait to get back with the team,'' Gray said, "and get back with my friends."
Dan Fleser covers Tennessee Lady Vols basketball. He may be reached at 865-342-6288.
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Comments » 16
allvol9 writes:
Great news that she is coming back to UT. Good luck Amber.....great to have you back in Knoxville. Hope the rehab and health is back soon 100% for you.
Fulton_Vol writes:
Welcome back Amber! We look forward to having you return to town, to school and to a lady Vol's uniform. Keep up the hard word and hold tight to faith, family and friends.
xvolx writes:
anyone that has the Lord #1 on their list is #1 on my list. Praying for you're full recovery.
LdyVolFaninKS writes:
Take it slow and easy and it will come. Your drive, determination and love for the game and God will guide you. We love ya Amber...glad to have you back!
10cvolnga writes:
This is our "story of the year"!!! Way to go Amber! You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
crimsonviper writes:
Wish her all the best.It would be great to see her play again.An inspiration for sure.
YankeeVol writes:
Amber, you are one inspirational young woman. Good luck - UT is lucky to have you.
abnermc writes:
Somewhat off subject but did anyone else see the wnba game last night?Tamika really got the best of Taurasi. And BTW is there an uglier girl in the universe than Taurasi? WOW
BigRMan writes:
Yes! LaTasha Byers!
BigRMan writes:
Amber Gray's saga is both heart rending and heart warming. Her faith and dedication to making as complete as recovery as possible with her ultimate goal being active participation as an active Lady Vol. Her strength and determination is inspirational. The feeling here is the greater measure of success and fulfillment in life are ahead for Ms Gray. She is proof positive how a negative can direct someone with Amber's drive toward the positive. Her very presence will help motivate this year's edition of the LV basketball squad! Keep on keepin' on, Amber-God Bless Ya'
Volunatic writes:
Glad Amber is able to return to Knoxville. Best wishes on her recovery.
halloffamebowler writes:
None uglier nor that can drive a car better when intoxicated.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Great to hear how far Amber has come in her rehab! When I heard about the aneurysm last summer, I was afraid she was done for good. If she can make it all the way back, I think she will be much more focused, disciplined, and determined than she was last year. She and the team will benefit from that. Good luck, Amber! GO LADY VOLS!!!
mississippi writes:
longvol, Do you were glasses? Taurasi is one ugly dude!!! She makes Gina look decent.
CTOWNICON writes:
LOL! Had to think a minute then I caught on to the Gina joke. She is one ugly woman and a drunk one at that!
BigRMan writes:
I wonder why Mike the Lady Husky fan hasn't commented on Tarausi's DUI. Giving Tarausi the league MVP was like Ray Lewis getting the Super Bowl trophy some years ago, or like Kobe Bryant getting the MVP last year. Tarausi's a drunk, Lewis is an accompliss to murder, Bryant is a rapist. Why are the deviants in society rewarded? You don't hear of any LV alumni in trouble! All seem to be model citizens once they come from a UT education!
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