Essence Carson

As a kid growing up in Paterson, NJ, I began playing basketball. Going from playground to playground playing the game of basketball from sun up to sun down helped me develop my love and undying passion. It also afforded me the opportunity to attend Rutgers University on a full athletic scholarship. At Rutgers, I was part of a team that won a couple of titles (Big East regular season and Big East tournament championship). While consistently making NCAA appearances (Sweet 16, Elite 8, and Final Four), we reached the National Championship game in 2007. The long days and nights on the blacktops of Paterson seemed like they finally paid off when I was named a Kodak Region I All-American and was drafted by my hometown New York Liberty of the WNBA. In 2013, after beginning my best season yet as a professional with averages of 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists, my career came to an abrupt halt. A fast break attempt resulted in a complete tear of my left ACL. Fortunately, I was under the care of Dr. Jo Hannafin. Fast forward a year and I'm back to playing the game I love as an even better player. Not only was my surgery a success, HSS made sure my rehabilitation was second to none. Now, I'm able to perform with confidence and completely focus on having an awesome season in 2015 and beyond.