As Alecia Sutton’s heralded high school basketball career comes to an end, we relive and admire her long road to recovery. After tearing her ACL in December, Sutton, one of the top high school basketball players in the Class of 2016, has worked meticulously towards a comeback, as she nears her start at the University of Texas. “I’ve had to overcome the mental part. Just the thought of missing this season has been hard to get over, but my dad talked to me about it and told me that I have a lot of to look forward to in the future. I’ve been able to overcome that and the mental aspect.”

Sutton was born on December 17, 1998, and 16 years later, on December 17, 2014, she made her decision to commit to the Texas Longhorns. “It was just about me getting closer to the coaching staff and getting used to the players.” Said Sutton. “Those were big factors for me. They helped with my dad and he’s moving down there, as well, so that worked out perfectly for me.”

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, moving all the way down to Texas will be quite the transition, but there is no doubt that Sutton is well prepared. After her surgery in February, she has been working tirelessly for her return. “My goal to play again in the four or five months. Since I tore my ACL, my goal has been to start learning some coaching roles, being on the bench.” Said the Senior from Parkway North High School (St.Louis, Missouri).

Sutton’s newly learned coaching skills have definitely come in handy this year. After being selected to play in the 2016 McDonald’s All American Game, Sutton did a superb job of acting as a leader for the team off the court. Being a McDonald’s All American is an incredible honor, but for many, the pressure can be overwhelming. Sutton, however, can handle it. “ I think I’ve handled the pressure pretty well. It was a humbling experience.”

Sutton’s inclusion on the McDonald’s All American roster, says a lot about her Senior season. Before the injury, the 5’8” Point Guard was already taking the world of high school basketball by storm. As a point guard, Sutton is an excellent court presence and a powerful leader. “My greatest strength is knowing the players that I’m playing with.” Sutton continued. “I know exactly how they play, so I’m really good at passing the ball and I have a really good pull-up jumper.”

Sutton is definitely motivated to prove that she is one of the top players in the country, but it is her father that is her biggest motivation. “He’s helped me get to where I am now. It makes me push harder, just seeing how we’re struggling and I just want to make him happy and make him proud.”

Now, with her start at Texas upcoming and her recovery in full swing, Alecia Sutton is ready to show the world that she has the ability to come back from this injury a stronger player and person. She is undoubtedly a player to watch out for in the Class of 2016 and is no doubt, “On the Road to Recovery”.