Aaliyah's physical recovery was grueling. The months following the shooting were filled with surgeries, physical therapy, and painful rehabilitation sessions. She had to relearn how to move her body, starting with the basics of making a fist and wiggling her toes to eventually walk on her own. Despite the immense pain and emotional toll, Aaliyah's resilience shone through. She credits her determination, support from her family and the unwavering belief of USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb, who promised her a spot on the team regardless of her ability to return to the court.
Emotionally, the recovery process was equally challenging. Aaliyah faced the mental strain of processing the trauma, wondering if she would ever regain her former strength and whether she could return to the game she loved. She felt fear, especially during her first days back on campus when she was still unstable on her feet. Despite these challenges, her positive attitude never wavered. She remained a source of inspiration for her teammates, attending practices and supporting them even when she couldn't participate fully.
Finally, in November 2023, after nearly two years of rehabilitation, Aaliyah stepped onto the court in a USC jersey to a standing ovation, marking her official return to competitive basketball. She went on to play a total of 44 minutes in seven games, scoring 10 points and grabbing six rebounds.
"This journey has been the hardest battle of my life," said Aaliyah. "There were days when the pain and fear felt overwhelming, but basketball was my motivation to keep pushing. Every step I took was about getting back to the game I love. I leaned on my family, coaches, and teammates, who lifted me up when I needed it most. Their belief in me, along with my passion for basketball, helped me overcome every obstacle."