Kansas City, Kan- High school athlete Gage Coen suffered a severe leg injury during football practice at Olathe Northwest when a teammate collided with his planted leg, breaking his tibia and fracturing his fibula in multiple places.
The injury required surgery at The University of Kansas Health System, where doctors inserted a rod, screws, and a plate to stabilize his leg.
After surgery, Gage faced a long recovery that included intensive rehabilitation with athletic trainer Steve Hawkins through the health system’s youth sports program. While rebuilding strength was challenging, Gage says the mental side of recovery was the hardest, as he had to watch his teammates play while he recovered.
Gage Coen, patient
- Says the mental challenge of recovery—watching teammates play while he couldn’t—was harder than the physical pain.
- Worked hard in rehab and successfully returned to sports; the experience inspired him to consider a career in physical therapy.
Keri and Chris Coen, parents
- Keri described the emotional shock of seeing her son in severe pain and realizing the seriousness of the injury.
- Chris says injuries are temporary and can help build mental toughness and resilience.
- The parents focused on meeting Gage where he was emotionally each day, supporting him through both good and difficult moments.
Steve Hawkins, Athletic Trainer, The University of Kansas Health System
- Emphasized that recovery is a marathon, not a sprint, and athletes will have both good and bad days.
- Worked closely with Gage during rehab, seeing him nearly 100 times and guiding both physical and mental recovery.
- Highlighted the benefits of athletic trainers embedded in schools, allowing students to rehab without missing school and stay connected to their support systems.
