For most athletes, one ACL injury is already a nightmare. For Gemma Miranda, suffering three could have been career-ending.
But instead of giving up, the Philippine Navy star refused to let adversity define her.
After more than a year of grueling rehab and relentless determination, Miranda is finally back on the court — stronger, hungrier, and more grateful than ever.
“Binigyan din ako ng trust ni Coach Ewon (Arayi) na makabalik sa court. Sobrang thankful at grateful ako sa kanya,” the 29-year-old guardsaid after the Lady Sailors’ bounce-back win over Solar Home in the 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) Invitational Tournament last Wednesday.
“Hindi lang sa kanya, pati sa mga assistant coach at mga teammates ko, na talagang pinu-push nila ako. Binibigyan nila ako ng tiwala na kayang-kaya ko pang bumalik kahit galing ako sa ACL injury sa dalawang tuhod ko.”
The 5-foot-8 winger first suffered an ACL tear in 2012 during her rookie year with National University.
She endured another ACL injury on her left knee in 2019 — just weeks before her highly anticipated debut with Gilas Pilipinas Women at the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
In a cruel twist of fate, Miranda once again faced the agonizing road to recovery in 2022 after tearing her ACL for the third time.
But her love for basketball never wavered. Determined to return, she dedicated herself to a rigorous rehabilitation process over the past year to make her long-awaited comeback.
(C) WMPBL
“Binigay ko lang din ‘yung best ko kasi gusto ko talaga maglaro ulit. Sobrang love ko ‘yung basketball,” said an emotional Miranda.
She also made sure to acknowledge the unwavering support of her physical therapists, who played a crucial role in her recovery.
“Nagpapasalamat ako kay God kasi kung hindi dahil sa kanya, wala ako dito ngayon. At the same time, gusto ko ring pasalamatan ‘yung mga physical therapists na tumulong sa akin — talagang all-out sila sa pagbibigay ng program para lumakas ako at makabalik sa laro,” the two-time UAAP Finals MVP from National University said.
Despite her recent setback, Miranda has remained a dominant force for the Philippine Navy, averaging a double-double of 13.5 points and 10.8 rebounds in the team’s first four games of the Invitationals.
Last Wednesday, the pride of Davao led the Lady Sailors to their third victory in four outings, overpowering the Suns with a commanding 94-46 win.
Miranda delivered an impressive all-around performance with 14 points, nine rebounds, and four steals, helping her team improve to a 3-1 record — tying New Zealand-Bluefire for third place in the standings.
Her recent performances, she said, are simply the result of hard work, dedication, and a relentless desire to contribute to the team’s success.
“Nagbunga ‘yung pina-practice namin araw-araw, ‘yung mga tinuturo ng mga coach namin — especially Coach Ewon (Arayi) — na sobrang all-out din sa pagbibigay ng tiwala sa amin,” Miranda shared.
“Sobrang sarap maglaro kasi binibigyan ka ng tiwala ng coach mo. ‘Yung mga ate ko rin, nagtutulong-tulong kami kasi kailangan naming manalo ngayon.”
With her resilience and unwavering passion for the game, Miranda’s comeback is nothing short of inspiring — proving that no setback is too great for someone determined to rise again.
