JACKSONVILLE, Fla.-- For many athletes, an injury can be a career-defining moment—either a setback that halts progress or a catalyst that forges newfound resilience. For Jacksonville volleyball player Cami Kelsay, it was the latter. Twice.

Freshman Year: A Promising Start Cut Short 

Kelsay came into her freshman year ready to make an impact at JU and began with immense promise. She quickly made her presence known on the court, appearing in eight matches and making an impact with 111 kills in 31 sets. In fact, she registered double-digit kills in six of those matches and earned ASUN Freshman of the Week honors after posting a season-high 19 kills twice in just a week. Kelsay seemed poised to be a breakout star. 

But her season took a devastating turn during a match against Long Island. What should have been a routine landing turned into a devastating moment when her knee gave way. The diagnosis was worse than expected: a torn ACL in her left knee, along with additional damage to the surrounding ligaments. Five weeks later, Kelsay was undergoing surgery and facing months of recovery. 

“It was devastating,” she recalled. “I’d never faced anything like that before. I had been building momentum, and suddenly, everything I’d worked for seemed in jeopardy. But I knew I couldn’t let it end there.”

With her season abruptly cut short, Kelsay focused all her energy on her rehabilitation. The grueling recovery process became her first real test of mental and physical endurance. Instead of letting the injury define her, Kelsay tackled the setback with the same determination that had fueled her rise on the court. Her time away became a valuable lesson in perseverance, and she returned to the court with a renewed sense of purpose, determined to pick up where she left off. 

Junior Year: Another Challenge 

Fast forward to Kelsay’s Junior year. After bouncing back from her ACL injury, she was feeling good, her confidence growing with every game. That confidence came crashing down during a match against Samford at UGA. After a successful jump, she landed awkwardly. Pain shot through her knee—again, the same one that had betrayed her freshman year.

“I knew right away it wasn’t good,” she said. “The pain was different, but it felt just as bad.” 

This time, it was her meniscus. The injury required another surgery, and the recovery brought its own difficult challenges. Mentally and physically, it was once again going to be a long, demanding road back to recovery. The lingering question of "why me?" was hard to ignore.

“There were definitely moments of doubt,” Kelsay admits. “After two major injuries in the same knee, it would have been easy to start questioning if I’d ever get back to where I was. But my love for the game of volleyball, and the people I had around me, kept me going.”

Kelsay credits her teammates, coaches, and family for helping her push through the darkest moments. “They had my back, every step of the way. I wasn’t just doing it for myself; I was doing it for them too.”

Finding Strength in Adversity

Despite the physical toll, Kelsay’s mental resilience was unshakable. She’d been here before—she knew the steps, the sacrifices, and the small victories that come with the long road to recovery. After her first injury, she had built a mental toughness that served her well as she navigated her second comeback.

“Honestly, after that first injury, I learned how to be mentally strong,” she says. “So, when the second one happened, I was more prepared. I knew it was going to be hard, but I also knew I could handle it.”

Last September, Kelsay underwent her second knee surgery. This time, recovery meant two months on crutches and countless hours of physical therapy. Patience, persistence, and trust in the process became her daily mantra. By March, after six months of hard work, she was cleared to return to play. 

The Road Ahead

Now, with her knee fully healed, Kelsay is back on the court and ready to make an impact. The journey has been anything but easy, but the obstacles she’s overcome have only deepened her love for volleyball. 

“I appreciate the game so much more now,” she reflects. “Every time I step on the court, I know how lucky I am to be playing. I’m stronger than I’ve ever been—not just physically, but mentally. I know what it’s like to be at rock bottom, and I’ve come out the other side.”

Kelsay’s statistics illustrate not only her growth but also her evolution into a well-rounded player. In the 2024 season, she has made a significant impact, registering 55 kills with an impressive average of 2.47 kills per set. Additionally, she has shown her defensive prowess by accumulating 92 digs, showcasing her ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game.

Head Coach Alicia Roth commends Kelsay’s resilience and determination: “Cami has worked incredibly hard to make her game well-rounded. Her commitment to improving every aspect of her play is remarkable, and it’s fostering a sense of leadership within the team. She embodies what it means to be determined and dedicated, and that mindset is contagious.” 

As she looks ahead, Kelsay’s goals are clear: to help her team win, continue growing as an athlete, and savor every moment of the game she fought so hard to return to. With her recent performance and unwavering resilience, the future looks brighter than ever. And while challenges may still lie ahead, one thing is clear: Cami Kelsay will face them head on, determined to push through and continue her journey with strength and courage.