Women’s basketball is truly at its peak right now. A massive thank you goes out to the new wave of stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and Juju Watkins. Their talent, charisma, and visibility have taken the sport to new heights.
A huge part of this rise comes from social media, especially TikTok, where these athletes can showcase their personalities and become highly brandable. The more we know about their lives, their struggles, and their stories, the more we feel connected to them. And with more visibility comes even more visibility—it’s a powerful cycle.
But with that spotlight also comes concern.
During this year’s March Madness tournament, Juju Watkins tragically tore her ACL on a fast break. I can’t help but wonder if this injury will slow down her path to the top. I remember when Paige Bueckers was arguably ahead of Caitlin Clark in terms of popularity—until she too suffered an ACL tear. Maybe Caitlin would’ve overtaken her regardless with her jaw-dropping playing style, but in the world we live in, it takes so little for someone to be replaced or forgotten.
What worries me most is the growing number of ACL injuries among female athletes, particularly in basketball. There’s always been some, yes—but lately, it feels like the numbers are rising.
Why does this keep happening?
Some experts point to anatomical differences. Women generally have wider hips and a greater Q-angle (the angle between the hip and knee), which can put more stress on the knees. Hormonal differences and muscle imbalance might also play a role. But whatever the exact reason, one thing’s clear: this trend needs more attention, more prevention, and more research.
These athletes are giving everything to grow the game. They deserve to have their bodies protected just as fiercely as their legacy is being built.
What are your thoughts?
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