For Mount Allison basketball veteran Grace Tilley, the road to senior has been anything but predictable. After a hip injury sidelined her during Christmas break of 2023, Tilley has done everything in her power to get back on the court — a journey that, in hindsight, taught her perseverance, perspective, and the power of community.  

Originally from Rothesay, NB, Tilley started her university career at Bishop’s before transferring to Mount Allison after her first year. She quickly found her place on the team, immediately making an impact and embracing the challenges of balancing her studies towards her Bachelor of Commerce.  But in December 2023, everything changed.  

What began as a nagging ache in her right hip turned out to be a torn labrum — an injury that left her struggling to walk and sit, let alone play. After an MRI confirmed the damage a few months later, Tilley faced months on the sidelines, including surgery in May 2024, followed by six weeks on crutches and in a brace. At a post-surgery follow-up, Tilley had just heard praise from her doctor about her excellent healing — but that same day, she slipped, essentially erasing her progress.   

“It was frustrating because I had worked so hard and felt I was going to be ready for the next [2024-25] season,” she recalls. “Because of the setback, I ended up not being able to play last season. But I had to learn patience — and to let my body heal.”  

Even while she couldn’t play, Tilley stayed connected with the team. With encouragement from head coach Thomas Skabar, she took on a different role — joining coaches’ meetings, watching games from the sidelines, and helping wherever she could.  

“Seeing the game from a coaching perspective changed how I understand it,” she says. “It helped me grow as a leader. I realized that being part of a team doesn’t only mean being on the court — it’s about showing up, supporting others, and finding ways to contribute.”  

Coach Skabar says Tilley’s attitude during that period spoke volumes about her character.  

“Grace never once disappeared,” says Skabar. “She showed up every day — whether it was practice, film sessions, or team meetings — with the same focus and positivity she brings on the court. The way she handled adversity set an example for everyone on our roster. That’s real leadership.”  

But the recovery process was long. Even months after surgery, she was still having trouble walking. That’s when she connected with osteopath Tara Jackson, who believed she was “fixable” — and helped her believe it, too.  

“Working with Tara changed everything,” Tilley says. “We went right back to the basics. It was slow, but I started to see progress. I went from hoping I’d play again to knowing I would.”  

Throughout the summer of 2025, she rebuilt her strength step by step — running and jumping in short intervals, training at the YMCA, and consistently practicing with her brothers, Jack and Colin (who both went to play basketball at Acadia — Colin is still playing there). By mid-August, she was cleared for contact and ready to join Mount Allison’s training camp.  

“It was nerve-wracking, but I trusted the work I put in,” she says. “Coming back as a veteran, I was just so grateful to play again — and to lead by example.”  

Tilley’s return to the court this fall has been a reminder of how far she’s come. After a strong showing in preseason games in Montreal, she’s focused on staying consistent, caring for her body, and appreciating the chance to compete again.  

“My goal this year is simple: to win — but also to enjoy every moment,” she says. “Being a student-athlete comes with a lot of ups and downs. It’s hard, but celebrating the small wins, leaning on my support system, and appreciating the journey — that’s what keeps me going.”  

For Tilley, recovery has taught her resilience, but also gratitude — for her teammates, her coaches, her family, and for every opportunity she has to play the sport she loves. The adversity she has faced hasn’t been something she would have asked for, but she’s embraced the lessons with grit — the kind that only comes with grace. 

Originally published by the ACAA.