As the competition dance season begins, sophomore Kayla Casey is facing a decision no athlete wants to make, whether to step away from the sport she loves to protect her long term health. After earning a spot on varsity as a freshman and competing with a team known for its strong legacy, Casey now finds herself preparing for surgery that will keep her from competing during her sophomore season.
The challenges began after NDA camp this summer, when Kayla began experiencing constant pain in her hip. What started as discomfort quickly escalated into something more serious. She described feeling her hip pop in and out of place while walking, and soon, dancing became a challenge.
“I tried to push through the pain” Casey said, “but it became so unbearable that I couldn’t do anything without pain.”
The injury began to limit her physical abilities as well as her confidence as a dancer. She was unable to fully execute the technique and tricks required in routines, which became increasingly frustrating. Performing at anything less than her full potential was difficult.
As the pain worsened, Kayla faced a difficult decision, attempt to push through the season or step away to prioritize her long-term health. Originally, she hoped to make it through the year and schedule surgery afterward, but that plan became unrealistic.
“I had to decide between potentially making the injury worse and being unreliable for my team, or stepping back to fix it before it got worse,” Casey explained.
Although missing her entire sophomore season is disheartening, Casey remains confident in her choice. She admits to feeling sad and frustrated, especially since dance is such a major part of her identity. Still, she knows the decision was necessary.
Despite not competing, Kayla plans to remain deeply involved. She will attend practices, competitions, and performances, taking on a new role as a source of encouragement and support. Her teammates and coaches have stood by her throughout the process, offering understanding and care that she says she is incredibly grateful for.
Looking ahead, Casey hopes to have surgery as soon as possible and begin rehabilitation, with the goal of returning healthy and ready by July 2026.
