Most athletes wouldn't be satisfied with getting limited minutes in a game, but for UNM women's basketball player Brittany Wolfgang, just being able to play again would be satisfying.
Once recruited to be the team's point guard, now the often-injured freshman battles every day to get back on the court.
Wolfgang has been sidelined for most of this season and red-shirted last season because of a list of injuries.
"I got tonsillitis and got my tonsils out in October of 2000," she said. "In December I developed a DVT, which is a blood clot. This year I was diagnosed with Rheumatory Arthritis in my left knee and then I was diagnosed with Erytheom Nodosum, which are red blotches, bruising and swelling in the shin area. You can't cure it and they don't know why you actually get it."
In practice, Wolfgang can be spotted on the stationary bike, which the team calls her horse, with her left leg wrapped heavily.
Junior post Jordan Adams says no matter what the situation is Wolfgang always has a smile on her face, hiding the pain. She says that smile is a Wolfgang trademark along with her constant positive attitude.
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"Right now she is more like a role model for us because she has been through so much and she works so hard," Adams said. "She wants to play so much. Some of us take things for granted and then we see Brittany struggling to get playing time or practice a little bit. It makes us all stop and think."
Wolfgang hasn't been seen in a cherry and silver uniform since the beginning of the season, her game attire now a black and white jump suit, since her condition has not been cooperative lately.
"It's hard - I know sometimes I could be out there helping," she said. "One thing is I have to be healthy to go out there and play so I guess being healthy is the first thing, but it's hard and it gets frustrating at times."
Head coach Don Flanagan is waiting until Wolfgang can practice to play her in game situations.
"I do feel as long as she gets healthy, I think she can definitely help us," he said. "She brings a very positive attitude, she's a hard worker and she's been a good friend and teammate to the rest of the team. We are all hoping that she can get healthy and contribute to the team because I know she really wants to play."
Wolfgang did not practice last year and said she feels she has taken big steps on the road to recovery this year physically, with the help of her coaches, teammates and family.
"They just always tell me 'You know one day it's gonna get all better,'" she said. "You'll be fine just take your time.' They are very supportive. It's just really hard, but I am ready to get out there."
