Basketball phenom turns a setback into a comeback with help from Akron Children’s

Ursuline High School freshman and standout basketball player Trinity Finnie suffered a devastating ACL tear in April 2025.

When 14-year-old Trinity Finnie suffered a devastating ACL injury, it could have sidelined her basketball dreams. Instead, with help from Akron Children’s Orthopedics and Sports Medicine teams, she’s proving that ACL injury recovery can be just as inspiring as victory on the court.

Learn more about her story as told by her mom, Tamika Jenkins.

A love for basketball that started early

My 14-year-old daughter, Trinity, has loved basketball since the third grade. It’s her passion and purpose. Over the years, she’s battled through small injuries, always returning stronger and more determined.

Her hard work didn’t go unnoticed. By eighth grade, she had already caught the attention of recruiters and earned her first college offer from Robert Morris University in Pennsylvania — an incredible milestone for a young athlete.

Trinity was winning basketball accolades from a very young age. At 12 years old, she received her first MVP trophy.

A setback on the court

Now a freshman at Ursuline High School in Youngstown, Trinity continued to play travel basketball, growing her skills and building a reputation as a disciplined young guard.

But in April 2025, she tore her ACL — a devastating sports injury for any teen athlete, especially one so young. It could have easily ended her dream. Instead, it became the start of a comeback story.

Finding trusted care at Akron Children’s

In May 2025, Trinity had surgery with Akron Children’s orthopedic surgeon Dr. Patrick Riley Jr. to repair her torn ACL. Post-surgery, she worked with Akron Children’s sports physical therapist Dan Stein to regain her strength and mobility.

That’s when Akron Children’s Sports Medicine stepped in. From the very first appointments, sports medicine physician Dr. Chris Leibig and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Patrick Riley Jr. made us feel supported and seen.

Drs. Leibig and Riley are not new to our family — they’ve cared for my children before. A few years ago, my youngest daughter tore her meniscus. Their compassion and attention throughout that process saved her knee and restored her ability to stay active.

Because of the care they showed my youngest daughter, I didn’t trust anyone else when Trinity got injured. I had countless recommendations to go elsewhere because of her level of play, but I stayed with Akron Children’s orthopedic specialists. They had already proven their skill and compassion to me.

Despite tearing her ACL early in the AAU season, Trinity still earned an impressive No. 15 ranking in Ohio (Class of 2029, Prep Hoops) as of September 2025.

A careful, informed treatment plan

Following Trinity’s injury, we met with Dr. Leibig at the Akron Children’s Boardman campus, where he helped us understand what to expect during her treatment and recovery.

As a parent, I had done a lot of research on ACL surgery options for young athletes and the different graft techniques used in pediatric sports medicine. Dr. Riley took the time to walk through each one with me. He patiently answered my questions and offered his expert opinion on which graft would be best for Trinity’s case. His patience, compassion and understanding meant the world to us as parents navigating something so overwhelming for our child.

Trinity underwent ACL reconstruction surgery in May 2025. Both doctors reminded us that this was not the end. With modern orthopedic care and advanced technology, they said Trinity could still chase her basketball dreams and succeed.

That message of hope became her motivation to keep going.

Youngstown State University is the second university to offer Trinity a full scholarship.

Rebuilding strength and confidence

Following surgery, Trinity began working with sports physical therapist Dan Stein at Akron Children’s Warren location. His guidance in sports physical therapy for teens has been instrumental in helping her rebuild both her strength and confidence.

Although she’s not back on the court yet, we’ve been sharing videos and updates of her recovery to show other athletes and families that with consistency, faith and quality care, you can still move forward and keep your dreams alive.

For parents researching how long ACL recovery takes for teens, Trinity’s progress shows that patience, dedication and expert support truly make a difference.

New opportunities ahead

In July, while still recovering, Trinity received her second full scholarship offer — this time from Youngstown State University. To earn two college offers, including one while rehabbing from her injury, is such a powerful testament to her talent, perseverance and the confidence others have in her future.

I hope Trinity’s journey helps reflect the incredible impact Akron Children’s Orthopedics and Sports Medicine has on young athletes — showing that setbacks don’t define you, but recovery can redefine you.