*This is part of a short story athlete feature series written for Instagram* 

582 days.

That's how many days passed between the last game Larah Wright played for the Vikes until her return to the field on Oct. 1, 2023.

Returning from injury is impressive but not uncommon. What's uncommon is the ability to turn something unfortunate into unwavering gratitude.

That's exactly what @uvicwrug player Larah Wright has done.

A talented all-around athlete, Wright didn't start playing rugby until Grade 10. However, years of playing various other sports translated well and she immediately excelled, quickly earning a place in Rugby Canada's development academy.

A blue-chip recruit, Wright did not disappoint in her rookie year, finishing with a near flawless season, earning Canada West Rookie of the Year, Canada West All-Star, U SPORTS Rookie of the Year, and U SPORTS All-Canadian honours. She led the Vikes in points and helped the team earn its highest U SPORTS finish (4th), followed by an undefeated Canada West sevens season.

But what followed was unimaginable. Wright tore her ACL—an injury she had just watched her best friend & teammate Maggie Mackinnon go through.

"I remember being heartbroken for Maggie, watching her recover and saying, I have no idea how you are doing this."

Despite her devastation, Wright didn't let the injury get her down. Three months after tearing her ACL, she got surgery and began rehabbing like it was her day job.

A shift in perspective is when things truly changed for Wright. Instead of focusing on what she couldn't do, she became a student of the game.

"I gained so much from watching. My game sense and vision of the field completely changed. The experience was so rewarding—I've learned so much about myself as an athlete. I'm a different player now, and I wouldn't go back and change anything."

As the Vikes head into championships, Wright is back in the starting lineup and playing a new & more physical position with more confidence than ever.

"I'm really excited about the position change where I get to tackle more and use my physicality. I'm surprised with how comfortable I have felt getting back out there, like no time has passed."

The Vikes continue their quest for a Canada West title Oct. 22 vs UBC.