The Los Angeles Sparks’ worst fears materialized on Wednesday as the team announced that standout rookie Cameron Brink had torn her ACL in her left knee the previous night—a crushing blow that will keep the forward out for the rest of the 2024 WNBA season.
Brink’s injury is a severe setback for the rebuilding Sparks, and the player was only weeks away from competing in the Summer Olympic Games in Paris. Despite this, Brink is determined to return to the court stronger and better in 2025.
Heartbroken Brink Vows a Strong Comeback
Following the confirmation of her injury on Wednesday, Brink took to Instagram to share her thoughts with her 1.2 million followers. She started by expressing disbelief, stating, “You never imagine (an ACL injury) happening to you,” and reflecting on the difficulty of accepting that her rookie season had ended after just 15 games.
“I won’t be derailed, and my love for this life remains,” Brink wrote, concluding her message with the hashtag #delayednotdenied. “Basketball isn’t my only identity, but it is a profound passion, and I will work daily to return to it.”
Before her non-contact injury during a cut to the rim against the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday night, Brink was averaging 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. Alongside fellow rookie Rickea Jackson, Brink symbolizes the Sparks’ future as the storied franchise aims to return to championship contention in the coming years.
Brink’s post received an outpouring of support from tennis star Coco Gauff, as well as WNBA luminaries like Angel Reese, Breanna Stewart, and A’ja Wilson—all of whom are undoubtedly eager to see Brink back on the court. For now, she faces the beginning of a challenging recovery process, one that will test her in unprecedented ways.