Each day, the UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine program supports the community and provides care to patients from across the Southeast. Each story is unique and shows the determination and grit our patients possess. We are honored to be a part of their care team and are happy to share their stories. We hope it provides some inspiration to others on their journey to their Return.

Belhaven University soccer athlete, Keagan McEwan, faced a strenuous injury during the peak of the Blazers’ season. Keagan shares his story:

I was playing soccer at Belhaven University in Mississippi and unfortunately tore my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). A friend recommended we come back to Alabama to visit with Dr. Momaya, who is a known expert in the field and takes care of not only high school and collegiate soccer players but also professional soccer athletes. I grew up playing soccer in the Birmingham area and played for Vestavia Hills High School.

When we visited him, he immediately recognized the injury by feeling how loose my knee was. We obtained an MRI later that day that confirmed the diagnosis of an ACL rupture. He discussed options for graft choice with us in great detail and we chose a patellar tendon graft. The surgery went well and my rehab was excellent. He prescribed us a detailed physical therapy plan. He also followed up with me regularly after surgery to make sure my motion and strength were recovering well.

I am now several months out from ACL reconstruction and doing great. I do not have any pain, instability, or stiffness. After my soccer career, I plan on joining the U.S. Military to serve our country. I am grateful that Dr. Momaya has gotten my knee fixed up so that I can perform at the highest level again.