Grayslake Central’s Addison Thomas may not be lucky, but she is resilient.
Since eighth grade, Thomas has suffered a broken left ankle three times. She has worked her way back to the basketball court after each injury.
“I learned it’s really important to take care of your body, just as much as playing and getting the work in,” she said. “You have to heal and feel good, but also mainly don’t let the bad times get you too low. Your confidence level is really important. It shows in your game.”
Thomas is definitely showing off her game in her first season as a starter. The 5-foot-5 junior guard was averaging 7.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.6 steals before the Rams (8-7, 5-0) played Wauconda (14-0, 5-0) in a key Northern Lake County Conference game Friday.
Thomas, who is shooting 32.3% from 3-point range, scored a career-high 17 points in the Rams’ conference win over Grant on Tuesday.
“Addison has played great,” Grayslake Central coach Steve Ikenn said. “She’s been shooting the three well and playing good defense. She goes strong to the hoop and has good court vision. She’s just scratching the surface of the player she can be.”
Thomas first suffered a broken ankle during the summer before her freshman year and said she was sidelined for five months. It happened again during the summer before her sophomore year, sidelining her for another three months.
After coming off the bench for the Rams the past two seasons, Thomas was motivated to earn a starting job. But she suffered a broken left ankle for the third time in April — in the middle of her AAU season — and was out for four months.
Thomas said she hopes her ankle injuries are in the past because her growth plate is closed.
“I’ve had to work really hard in rehab and physical therapy,” she said. “I had a mental block for a while, and it’s definitely been challenging.
“It made me lose a little confidence the third time breaking my ankle. I had to work to the best of my abilities to become a starter and come back with the right head space to attack the basket and not play scared that I would hurt my ankle again.”
Thomas’ older brother, Chris, understands. A former three-sport athlete at Grayslake Central, Chris Thomas was forced to stop playing basketball after suffering an injury in his freshman season at Carroll University. He has become a personal trainer and has helped her recover both physically and mentally.
“Injuries are always a risk with sports,” Chris Thomas said. “I know that firsthand. What matters most is how you respond. Getting back to your baseline takes time and real work once you’re cleared. Recurring injuries are tough, but her love for the game and mental toughness won’t let setbacks define her.
“I told her to accept the injury, even though it’s frustrating, and understand that the recovery isn’t always quick or easy. Your mindset matters most. Treat rehab like training — another opportunity to improve and come back stronger.”
Addison Thomas has done that, impressing Grayslake Central junior guard/forward Peyton Hoffmann.
“I feel like it shows her true dedication to the team and the sport,” Hoffmann said. “She is always someone we can count on and works hard all year round to keep improving as a team player.”
Grayslake Central senior point guard Mosey Drevline often shares ballhandling duties with Thomas and is glad she’s back on the court.
“Addi never complains,” Drevline said. “She shows up at every practice with a smile and is ready to work.
“Addi has always been a great shooter but especially this year she’s been shooting great. She brings calmness but also aggression into our games.”
Thomas said she wants to make a difference in the Rams’ pursuit of a fourth consecutive conference title.
“It feels amazing playing and being a starter,” she said. “My role has changed. I feel like I’ve really got to the point that I know I’m better on the floor.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
