Vanderbilt women’s basketball player Washington becomes face of dangers brought on by COVID-19
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BVM) — When Demi Washington began to prepare for her basketball season with the Vanderbilt Commodores, she was expecting to be able to further contribute to the team’s growth. Entering her sophomore year, Washington had already proven herself a valuable asset to the team as a freshman, playing in 29 of 30 games while starting 11. Although young, Washington was able to prove she belonged as she finished with 110 points (3.8 per game), 40 rebounds, 14 steals and 13 assists on the season, which placed her as the second-best freshman on the Commodores statistically.
Things were certainly looking up for the young guard as she worked her way to her next year with the Commodores. But then she got sick. She found out she had tested positive for COVID-19. Fortunately being a young and healthy athlete, Washington wasn’t slowed down too much by the illness, only suffering minor symptoms, and was able to recover rather quickly.
In order to return to the court, Washington had to follow Southeastern Conference protocols which require isolation for at least 10 days and undergo a medical evaluation by a team physician once the self-isolation is completed. Cardiac testing is also required as part of the SEC’s evaluation of athletes recovering from COVID-19 with each athlete required to have an Electrocardiogram (EKG), an Echocardiogram (ECHO) and their Serum Troponin level taken. While a cardiac MRI is not required by member institutions, they can be used at the discretion of the team physician.
Although Washington’s COVID-19 test came back negative following her isolation and all of her required heart tests and blood work came back normal, she still received a cardiac MRI. It was significant for Washington as the MRI showed that the sophomore had acute myocarditis, a symptom for some recovering COVID-19 patients.
Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle which can impact the organ’s electrical system and reduce its ability to pump or cause abnormal rhythms. Myocarditis is a dangerous health condition and can lead to heart failure, cause heart attacks or strokes and even sudden cardiac death. Studies have found that athletes, like any other person who may catch COVID-19, are susceptible to not only catching the virus, but suffering from myocarditis after infection regardless of the severity of symptoms or previous health. With myocarditis being a significant cause of sudden cardiac death in competitive athletes, this would raise a number of concerns for athletic institutions, universities, schools and other organizations with athletics.
Seemingly out of nowhere, Washington went from a healthy college athlete to one at risk of losing it all, literally, because of the COVID-19 infection. While her passion for the game was still at the forefront, Washington knew there was only one decision she could make. On Dec. 7, Washington posted on Twitter that she would not be able to play for the Commodores this season due to her diagnosis.
Following a case of COVID-19, I have recently been diagnosed with myocarditis and will not be able to play this season. While I am disappointed, I look forward to supporting my teammates and returning to the court soon. #AnchorDown pic.twitter.com/zpcbkKUrdH
— Demi Washington (@thedemiwash) December 8, 2020
News of Washington’s decision spread quickly. Although she was not the first athlete to have to deal with myocarditis brought on by COVID-19 ending their season, as Boston Red Sox pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez and Buffalo Bills tight end Tommy Sweeney both also announced their same diagnoses, she did become one of the first collegiate athletes to do so. In fact, following her announcement, University of Miami cornerback Al Blades Jr. announced on Dec. 8 that he too was diagnosed with myocarditis following his own bout with COVID-19.
The news was a shock to nearly all parties involved. According to a Twitter post by Washington’s mother Adama, Demi is “ultra healthy” and had “no previous medical issues.” She also said she was thankful the myocarditis showed up on the cardiac MRI.
https://twitter.com/blessedfamof5/status/1336402514300850179
Though it may be a difficult pill to swallow, especially for an ascending and seemingly healthy athlete, the decision is the right one for Washington as she looks to recover and instead grow more next year. With the NCAA allowing winter athletes to apply for another year of eligibility due to the pandemic, the situation won’t cause Washington to miss out on four years with Vanderbilt if she chooses.
In the meantime, the Commodores are left without one of their top playmakers and most skilled athletes as Washington, previously ranked as the No. 97th recruit nationally by ESPNHoopGurlz in the 2019 recruiting class, will have to remain on the sidelines. Though she is not able to play, Washington has made it clear she will continue to support her team with her help off the court instead of on it.
