When Leslie Hardesty tore her ACL last year she didn't know if she'd even have a senior year on the basketball court. But when the Lady Eagles cut down the nets in Richmond, Hardesty was there, and a big part of Clarke County's 1st ever state title.
"A lot of people didn't think I would be back." said the Eagles point guard. "Just to be back for the 1st game of the season was a big step for me and I just wanted to finish this right. Finishing with a state championship was the best way ever."
An injury as serious as an ACL can cost many athletes a year of action. Hardesty made it back in half that time, inspiring not only her teammates but her coach as well. "You walk in the gym and you see a kid who you know just busted her tail for 5 months as hard as she could just to be a part of the team." noted Eagles head coach Tim Lawrence. "It makes you want to work harder."
After her knee surgery Hardesty had doubts about when and how she would return to action. But for Leslie, the time off served as a reminder to not take anything for granted. "It made me a lot stronger" admitted Hardesty, "It made me realize what I was missing, I took basketball a lot more seriously this year."

Congratulations to Leslie Hardesty for being named TV3 Winchester's Student Athlete of the Week.