Iowa City Liberty's Stephen Cain overcame two ACL tears to pursue his passion for basketball, with his recent return marking a significant achievement.

Why It Matters

Cain's resilience and determination to return to the court after facing significant injuries exemplify the mental and physical challenges young athletes often encounter, highlighting the importance of perseverance and support in such circumstances.

By the Numbers
  • Cain suffered his first ACL tear in July 2020 and his second, along with MCL and meniscus tears, in October 2022.
  • It took Cain 11 months to recover from his first ACL injury and about 7-8 months to regain strength for his recent return to basketball.
State of Play
  • Stephen Cain has made a remarkable comeback to the basketball court for Iowa City Liberty despite facing two major ACL injuries.
  • His impactful play style and resilient spirit have added a significant depth to the Liberty High School basketball team.
What's Next

Cain aims to leverage his strong start to the season to pursue his dream of playing college basketball, while acknowledging the potential that this season might be his last due to the risk of injury.

Bottom Line

Stephen Cain's journey of overcoming injuries to pursue his passion for basketball highlights the power of determination and resilience in facing adversity and finding success, serving as an example for young athletes dealing with similar challenges.