Less than a minute into Tuesday’s home matchup against North Dakota, fans cheered as redshirt junior guard Mara Braun cleanly drained a deep three.
It did not feel like just any basket.
It was Braun’s first, after two seasons ended early due to the same foot injury. Her sophomore season ended when she broke her foot the first time, then it happened again in practice after only playing five games last year.
Her basket on Tuesday was something fans and teammates had long been anticipating. Most of all, it was a moment Braun herself had been very eager for.
“352 days. Counted it,” Braun said. “It was a long time coming, so I was really excited to be back there.”
Her comeback is the result of countless hours of rehab and strength work, along with significant mental preparation. Missing time due to injury is tough for any athlete, but returning from the same injury twice tests the mind just as much as the body.
Braun’s absence was felt by everyone around her. Since her freshman year, Braun has been a fixture in Minnesota’s starting five. Her time on the sidelines forced the team to adapt without her.
This ended up being a growth opportunity for the rest of the team. They have developed into a more versatile team, capable of winning without having to lean on Braun. Both she and the team have become stronger.
“Mara is 100 percent. She’s stronger physically, growing in basketball IQ, and using her skills daily in practice. She’s learning to be more explosive and get to the rim efficiently,” Coach Dawn Plitzuweit said.
Her athleticism always sets her apart. She led the team in scoring as a freshman and again her sophomore year, before the first injury sidelined her. Her true impact can not be measured by points, though. Even from the sidelines last season, her voice and leadership remained steady.
“Mara impacts the game in so many ways. Her pure joy and the way she carries herself are incredible,” Plitzuweit said. “She also does a great job of coaching this team. I hear her talking to teammates before I even get to the huddle, saying all the right things.”
On the court, Braun’s presence was felt in their home opener win. Though she scored just five points in her first game back, having her on the court still made a huge difference in how the Gophers were defended by North Dakota.
In game two against Manhattan, she picked up 17 points, leading the team in points and seemingly needing just one game to re-acclimate to the NCAA.
“She’s the Mara Braun I remember, plus some. It’s been a lot of fun to play with her. I got to set her a couple good ball screens, and I just really enjoy playing with her,” teammate Sophie Hart said.
Braun’s return was a clear reminder of her impact on and off the court. Her health and confidence are high. The team is energized, too. It is shaping up to be a wide-open season for what the Gophers and Braun can accomplish.
“I felt good and healthy. It was just super fun to play with some of the new girls and obviously the girls I’ve been waiting to be back on the floor with,” Braun said.
Being back in the lineup is a win in itself for Braun, but there is no question the best is yet to come for her.
