Texas-sized dreams of playing college basketball brought Adelaide’s own Amy Cotton an incredible 9,000 miles from her Australian hometown to the hardwood floors of Sharp Gym here in Houston, Texas.
Now, as a forward for the Houston Christian University Women’s Basketball Team, Cotton is gearing up to close out her senior season with the Huskies, reflecting on a journey that has tested her determination and fortitude.
Last season, what felt like everyday wear-and-tear to Cotton turned out to be a stress fracture in her right ankle that put her out for the rest of her junior year.
“I was trying to get back into practicing again once the season was over, but something just didn’t feel right,” she explains.
Her recovery reached a hard stop when a scan revealed the damage was worse than previously anticipated. Cotton underwent surgery to remove the bone spurs on her ankle and completely reconstruct the ligaments as well.
Watching her team from the sidelines was her biggest test of all.
“Physically I was there, but mentally, I was not there at all,” she recalls.
But like any great basketball program, it’s the team that makes all the difference. Cotton credits her strong support system of teammates for helping get her through her rehabilitation and out of her head.
Now, after 10 months dedicated to intense physical therapy and training, Cotton has bounced back with a renewed sense of determination.
So far in the 2024-25 season, Cotton has scored a total of 111 points for HCU with a season high of 15 points in a game against UTRGV.
With the Huskies set to compete in the 2025 Southland Conference Tournament next month, Cotton fondly recalls a favorite memory from her freshman season when the team claimed the conference title.
“Winning the conference was big for us. We got a ring!” she shares.
Looking ahead, Cotton’s future in basketball remains open-ended. Whether it’s pursuing professional opportunities overseas in Europe or transitioning to coaching with aspirations of reaching the WNBA, Cotton’s basketball story is far from over.
For now, though, her focus is set on making every minute count. Cotton embodies the spirit of a true comeback story, proving her heart and hustle are greater than any setback.