One of the many life lessons that athletes can learn by playing sports is how to overcome adversity. Hopedale High senior Brendan DaFonte got a double dose of misfortune in a four-month stretch last year but he’s dealt with it in classy fashion.
The 6-foot-4, 175-pound forward-center on the Blue Raiders’ basketball team suffered a torn ACL and a slight meniscus tear in his left knee in February when he was getting comfortable in his role as a reserve behind Brian Espanet and Tyler Miller. During his six-month rehab period, a virus occurred that caused a cough, fever and chest pains. At Children’s Hospital in Boston, he was diagnosed with myocarditis, an inflammation of the sac around his heart.
“The virus slowed my rehab because I had to eliminate exercising,’’ DaFonte said. “For four months I was doing squats, leg presses, bicycling and stretching but when the virus hit in June, I had to stop. But, by November, I started to feel good. The heart was good and my knee felt great.’’
DaFonte gets high marks for coping with those setbacks, and his recovery obviously is good news for Blue Raider hoop fans. He stayed determined during a difficult time.
“The knee injury was major and at first I was angry,’’ DaFonte noted. “But, I knew if I was going to recover, I had to stay focused, determined and be mentally tough. My mindset turned positive and my anger disappeared.’’
DaFonte’s coach, Tony Cordani, is very impressed with the way he’s handled adversity. “Brendan had to deal with lots of rehab on his knee but the virus caused his cardio system to be affected,’’ Cordani emphasized. “He’s fought through tough situations and hospital stays.’’
The tallest player on the varsity, DaFonte will be counted on to get his share of rebounds, points and blocks this year. Unfortunately, he was unable to play in Hopedale’s first two games because of tendinitis. “It’s a small setback,’’ Cordani said. “Brendan went all out in practice early and he experienced some tendinitis in his knee.’’
DaFonte, nevertheless, remains confident and his goals for the season reflect his optimism.
“We need to focus on each game as it arrives and our team chemistry has to come together,’’ he said. “We’ve lost some top players and some may have doubts about us, but we can still get to the districts and contend for a state title. As for me, my goals are to be a leader and set a good example for our younger players. I also want to average double figures in points and rebounds and try to become a Dual Valley all-star.’’
Cordani is hoping DaFonte can soften the loss of Espanet and Miller. “Brendan is a lefty with good low-post moves and an ability to rebound,’’ he said. “He’s an athletic kid who’s a capable defender and a decent outside shooter. He could be a league all-star.’’
The attributes that may help DaFonte achieve all-star status are his basketball IQ, his court vision, instincts, quickness on defense and his passing. “Expanding my range as a shooter is where I need to improve,’’ DaFonte said. “We’re a small team and it’ll be important to stretch the floor.’’
DaFonte knows veteran teammates like Rob Siefring, Dan Liberatore and Jake Kracinovich will be key assets in Hopedale’s drive to win the DVC. He likes what they bring to the table. “Rob is a point guard whose passing makes him an unselfish player,’’ DaFonte said. “Dan is a great shooter, especially from three-point range, and he can drive to the hoop. Jake can pass and handle the ball, often able to draw double-teams, then make a key pass.’’
DaFonte also is a fan of his coach, calling Cordani a terrific motivator. “Coach Cordani knows how to take a group of players and blend them into a unit,’’ DaFonte emphasized. “He puts players in roles that suit them and he works hard so his players can succeed.’’
Before his injury last year, DaFonte was averaging 3 points and 4 rebounds a game. One of his better outings came against Blackstone-Millville. “I got eight points going against Kyle Lubinsky, their 6-9 center,’’ he recalled. “I held my own and hit some shots in the paint.’’
Rating Whitinsville-Christian and Nipmuc as the teams that will challenge Hopedale for dominance in the DVC, DaFonte has displayed dominance as a student. He’s achieved honor-roll status and hopes to major in computer science at UMass-Amherst or UConn. Acutely aware that the absence of Espanet and Miller creates a void, DaFonte, nevertheless, welcomes the challenge. “It will be a challenge but I welcome it,’’ he said. “I’ll feel some pressure but that’s what will motivate me.’’
Calling his parents, Maria nd Chico, role models for their encouragement during his rehab ordeal, DaFonte will continue to adhere to a philosophy that’s all about work ethic.
“If I work hard and give 100 percent at all times, winning will follow,’’ he said. “And, sports do teach life lessons. “I had to overcome adversity. And, I learned to stay focused and to work super hard to overcome my misfortunes. Setting goals is also another lesson learned in sports. When you set goals, you achieve them by staying focused.’’
Brendan DaFonte is a high-caliber student-athlete who’s had his share of down times. But, he’s a dynamic example of staring adversity in the face and walking away a better person.
Issue Date:
January, 2018
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