by Vanessa Strobbe
Daily Lobo
Six months ago, Dionne Marsh could barely walk or get out of bed.
But this month, the senior is leading the UNM women's basketball team into its 2007-08 season.
"This is my last year," said Marsh, an All-American candidate. "I didn't want any excuses for not reaching my goals."
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
But she had plenty. Marsh underwent back surgery in May to repair two herniated discs. Although she's had the condition since her sophomore year, she didn't let it interfere with basketball.
"As an athlete, you have to push through adversity," she said. "During the games, adrenaline took over, but after, it was very painful. Even sitting in class was uncomfortable."
The two-time Mountain West Conference Tournament MVP said she decided to have the surgery when doctors told her the pain would persist. Although the procedure would set her back for some time, Marsh said she knew it was the best long-term decision.
After being nearly immobile for two months, Marsh began rehabilitation in July. Slow-pace treadmill walking and stretching consumed the majority of Marsh's summer as she watched her teammates fully condition.
"Having the surgery actually made me put things into perspective and made me realize how lucky I am to be able to do just everyday things like walking, running and being comfortable in my own body," she said.
Last month, Marsh was still doing modified workouts and catching up to the rest of the team. This month, she's doing the full workouts with the exception of powerlifting.
"It became more of a mental strength than a physical thing," Marsh said. "I didn't want anyone feeling sorry for me. I didn't want the girls on the team to know much about it. I just hope that I showed the girls that it's more than getting through things physically - you have to be mentally tough."
Marsh takes on a new role this season as one of two seniors leading a team loaded with sophomores and freshmen.
Already a leader on the court, Marsh averaged 14.7 points per game and 6.3 rebounds per game last year. She scored her 1,000th point as a Lobo in November 2006 and is on her way to surpassing Abby Garchek-Jaramillo as the program's career scoring leader.
Last season, Marsh was named UNM's Female Athlete of the Year with eight 20-point games and 209 season rebounds.
The soft-spoken senior said leading by example is no problem, but speaking up on the court doesn't come naturally.
"Being vocal is not my natural position or instinct, but I've been working at it," Marsh said. "I basically listen to Coach and show the girls what he expects from us as a team."
The Lobos are shooting for their fifth MWC championship in the past six years. Marsh said the main goal for her and the team is a seventh straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
"We want to have a postseason," Marsh said. "We want to go deeper into the tournament. And for me, I want to make sure my senior year is great and very
productive."
