Graduate center Quinzia Fulmore had nothing but painful memories of last season. After a productive start to last season as a transfer addition for the Memphis University women’s basketball team, she suffered a foot injury that sidelined her for the rest of the year. Fulmore said she had never been injured before and was sick of not being on the court.
“It was painful,” Fulmore said. “Just a nerve-wracking feeling that I couldn’t finish the year out and had to sit and watch.”
Following the end of the season, Fulmore transferred to the Elon women’s basketball team, where she hopes to have a strong return from her injury. Fulmore said that it has taken a while to get all of her strength back, adding that she wasn’t able to walk at one point.
She admitted that the recovery process took a long time, and she had to relearn basic exercises without hurting herself. Fulmore said she didn’t want to potentially do something that could aggravate the problem.
“I had to learn how to get my strength back,” Fulmore said. “I had to relearn how to lift and run again. It was a slow process because even after I was fully healed, I’d still have pains, and I couldn’t push myself too much at times.”
Currently, Fulmore said she feels better compared to months ago when she couldn’t move around like before.
“I’m still trying to push myself a little more, but as far as the physical pain, I don’t really go through that anymore,” Fulmore said. “It’s been a challenge, but the coaches have been very supportive throughout the process.”
Head coach Charlotte Smith said she knows how it feels to suffer an injury. She said she had four knee surgeries as a player for the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and understands the frustration of trying to come back healthy.
“It’s a gradual process,” Smith said. “You don’t come back from an injury and just hit the ground running. Our job is to get her to ideally perform 40 minutes to her highest potential.”
A full recovery by Fulmore would provide Elon with a player who can score and rebound in the paint. After limited action as a freshman at Towson University, Fulmore averaged 9 points and 6.3 rebounds during her next two seasons. She was named to the 2023 All-CAA Tournament team her sophomore year. Then, after transferring to Memphis, she started the season strong with averages of about 6 points and 7 rebounds in just 22 minutes per game before the injury.
Fulmore said she is excited to contribute as someone who can control the paint on offense and defense. She said she’s willing to help with anything, whether it’s anchoring the defense or getting rebounds.
“I’m hoping to be a post presence,” Fulmore said. “Whether it’s scoring in the post, rebounding, or defending, I just want to make a full impact.”
Smith said that for Fulmore to continue her recovery, patience is necessary. She said it’s important for Fulmore not to get down on herself, no matter how annoying the process of coming back may be. So far, she believes Fulmore has done a good job applying that mindset.
“It can be a frustrating process because you want to be back to your normal self, so patience is important in overcoming that mental hurdle,” Smith said. “You have to speak positive affirmations over your life so that you don’t become discouraged in the process.”
As the season begins, Fulmore said she already loves the team environment. She described everyone as being very tight-knit and is excited to share the court with them.
“This team honestly feels like family to me,” Fulmore said. “I’m just really looking forward to winning games and working hard with my girls.”