Athletes all around the world know that career ending injuries can occur when least expected.

Chad Stephen remembers the day his life changed like it was yesterday.

It was Sunday, Aug. 23.

A car hit Stephen as he was driving, resulting in a broken ankle, broken ribs, and a bruised lung.

He spent four days in the hospital surrounded by friends and family.

The surgery on his ankle took place in September.

Afterward, his ankle was put in a cast for three months.

The accident resulted in many setbacks including, Stephen’s ability to walk, drive, and bowl.

“I feel like I got part of my happiness taken away from me,” Stephen said.

As a junior, last year he captained the bowling team, which went undefeated and claimed a state championship.

Stephen also won the individual state title, the United States Bowling Congress state title, and received many other accomplishing titles during the 2014-2015 season.

Even though the injuries he sustained in the car accident could have set ended his bowling career, Stephen saw them as a minor setback.

In fact, he is already back on the lanes preparing for the 2015-2016 season.

However, getting back to form has not been easy.

Some athletes give up the second they hear the words “your career could potentially be over,” but others, like senior Chad Stephen, know that, no matter what, they cannot give up.

Stephen has struggled to get his approach back, but he still has big plans for the season.

Stephen’s social media accounts are a prime indicator that he is ready to bowl again.

He posts videos of his progress since the accident.

Stephen is not giving up on perfecting his approach.

“It feels great to be bowling again,” Stephen said. “Overcoming these challenges will just need practice.”

Stephen has several teammates that are looking forward to him being able to bowl again.

Senior Philip Hawes is a key letterman returning along with Stephen.

Hawes, along with others, is glad to have Stephen back.

Stephen is fortunate to be back, and he was already averaging 230 during his first few days of tryouts.

Tryouts took place the third week of November.

“He is a very important teammate,” Hawes said. “He helps pick us up when we’re down, and he brings us together.”