Cameron Brink Returns After Year-Long Injury: “I’m Ready to Reclaim My Place”

After more than a year away from the court, Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink made her long-anticipated return to WNBA action this week, stepping back into the spotlight with determination, maturity, and a clear focus: to reclaim her place as one of the league’s rising stars.

Brink, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, suffered a devastating ACL injury just weeks into her rookie season—an abrupt and painful end to what was one of the most highly anticipated debuts in recent league history. Now, after 12 months of intense rehab, mental recovery, and hard-earned patience, the 6-foot-4 forward is finally back—and already showing signs of her former self.

“It’s been a long journey,” Brink told reporters after her return. “There were days I doubted if I’d ever feel like myself again. But tonight… even just stepping onto the court again felt like a victory.”

Brink’s comeback game against the Dallas Wings saw her log 18 minutes off the bench, recording 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Though still on a minutes restriction, her presence was immediately felt—particularly on defense, where her timing and instincts seemed largely intact.

Sparks head coach Curt Miller praised her resilience and growth.

“She’s been a professional through the entire process,” Miller said. “She didn’t rush. She listened to her body. And now we’re starting to see the payoff. She brings size, skill, and leadership that this team needs.”

Brink’s impact goes beyond the box score. In her absence, the Sparks struggled to find consistency on both ends of the floor. Now, with her return, there’s renewed optimism around the locker room—not just for what she can do now, but for how her presence changes the trajectory of the team’s rebuild.

The road to recovery wasn’t just physical. Brink has been open about the mental toll of sitting out an entire season after being a top prospect out of Stanford.

“Missing my rookie year… that hurt more than the knee,” she said. “You dream about that moment your whole life. To have it taken away so quickly—it forced me to grow, not just as a player but as a person.”

Fans welcomed her back with overwhelming support, flooding social media with messages of encouragement and praise. #BrinkIsBack trended across platforms shortly after the final buzzer, and former teammates and league stars—including A’ja Wilson and Candace Parker—posted congratulatory messages.

The Sparks remain cautious, gradually ramping up her minutes and monitoring her recovery. But Brink isn’t focused on rushing the process—her sights are set on long-term success.

“This is just the beginning of the next chapter,” she said. “I’m not here to prove doubters wrong. I’m here to prove to myself that I still belong—at the highest level.”

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Cameron Brink—not just to see how quickly she regains form, but how far she can rise in a league that’s been waiting for her return.