From Sidelines to Strength: Molly Settles’ Inspiring ACL Recovery Journey with CORE Center

Every athlete fears that one moment when everything changes. For White River Valley High School sophomore Molly Settles, that moment came on the basketball court in December when a sudden collision left her crumpled in pain.

“I immediately heard a pop and felt pain in my right knee,” Molly said. “I wanted to go back in, but we decided to wait and see how it felt.”

Soon, she learned she had torn her ACL—a devastating injury that would sideline her for the rest of her sophomore season. For someone who had never missed a game, the news was crushing.

“It was incredibly difficult to hear and process,” she said. “I was scared about what was ahead.”

Molly is no stranger to determination. A varsity athlete in both basketball and soccer, her drive stems from a deep family connection to White River Valley athletics. Her mother, April Settles, is both the CFO at Daviess Community Hospital and the head coach of the Lady Wolverines. Her father, Matt, coaches multiple teams as well.

Watching her daughter fall injured was heartbreaking for April.

“I knew right away it was her ACL,” April said. “As both her coach and her mom, that moment cut deep.”

Choosing the CORE Center

Molly’s surgery took place on December 27. Her orthopedic surgeon recommended Daviess Community Hospital’s CORE Center and specifically, physical therapist Clint Young, PT, DPT. With 24 years of experience and multiple advanced certifications, Clint was highly regarded—and he didn’t disappoint.

“He tailors every session to Molly’s needs and keeps constant communication with her surgical team,” April said. “We’re so grateful for his care and his heart.”

Clint began working with Molly just days after New Year’s. Together, they focused on regaining range of motion, restoring neuromuscular control, and building strength through personalized therapy sessions.

“Her work ethic made my job easy,” Clint said. “She showed up determined every session.”

Molly quickly surpassed milestones—ditching crutches early and consistently impressing her surgeon’s team with her progress.

More Than Physical Recovery

While Molly’s physical recovery was progressing, the emotional toll of missing her season weighed heavily.

“I didn’t know if I’d ever feel like myself again,” she said. “Going from starting games to watching from the sidelines was incredibly hard.”

She cheered on the Lady Wolverines from behind the bench, even as they delivered a thrilling win against No. 1-ranked Orleans and fell in a heartbreaking overtime sectional loss. Her faith, her family, and her teammates—whom April calls her “sisterhood”—kept her grounded.

“They made sure she never felt forgotten,” April said.

Molly found ways to stay involved, leading the team in prayer before every game and supporting her teammates however she could.

“Faith was my anchor,” Molly said. “I reminded myself that God has a greater purpose, even when things were hard.”

The CORE Difference

At CORE, the support extended beyond exercises.

“It wasn’t just physical therapy—it was emotional care, too,” Molly said. “Clint always reminded me to ‘take the win’ and move forward.”

Clint recognized the importance of seeing the person beyond the patient.

“At CORE, we don’t just treat the body,” he said. “We build relationships and remind patients what they’re working toward.”

April said the family felt embraced by the CORE team. “They included us in everything, empowered us to help her at home, and gave us hope.”

Looking Ahead

Molly expects to complete therapy in late April. She hopes to rejoin her AAU basketball team in July and start soccer practices in August.

“I’ve learned to trust the process,” she said. “I’ve also learned to listen to my body, prioritize mental health, and manage my time.”

Inspired by the doctors and therapists who helped her heal, Molly now dreams of becoming a pediatrician.

“I want to make a difference in children’s lives the way my care team made a difference in mine,” she said.

Reflecting on the journey, April compared it to another goal Molly once conquered: winning the Elks State Hoop Shoot after years of setbacks.

“She worked for years, and in her final year, she won,” April said. “This journey feels the same. Every therapy session is a step toward another dream.”

For Clint, seeing Molly thrive again is the most rewarding part of his work.

“This is why I do what I do,” he said. “Seeing her return to the sport she loves—that’s everything.”

Learn More

If you or your child is recovering from injury and needs expert physical therapy, the team at Daviess Community Hospital’s CORE Center is here to help. Call (812) 254-8889 to schedule an evaluation at our Washington or Odon locations.

Your recovery journey starts here—with a team that believes in your strength.

In the images below, Clint Young, PT, DPT, a physical therapist at Daviess Community Hospital's CORE Center, works with Molly Settles, a White River Valley student-athlete overcome an ACL injury she suffered in December.