Gondrezick sisters will have to wait for MSU-Michigan rivalry matchup
Sunday was supposed to be a big day for Kalabrya Gondrezick.
The Crisler Center floor in Ann Arbor was supposed to provide a moment that was significant to the Michigan State sophomore's family and her hometown of Benton Harbor.
But the matchup on the court between Gondrezick and her younger sister Kysre, a freshman at Michigan, will now have to wait.
And it may never happen at all for the sisters in future meetings between the teams.
Kalabrya Gondrezick's season has been derailed by concussion symptoms. She was sidelined as a freshman in December 2015 after suffering a concussion in practice. And the symptoms and impacts of that concussion, which was her third in the last five years, have kept her out this season and have her college basketball career in jeopardy.
"To not be playing because of health problems instead of choosing not to play (is hard)," Gondrezick said. "I’m forced to not play because the doctors won't allow me to play because it's hazardous to my health. If I get hit again it could be very severe. It’s frustrating for sure, because this is who I was. I was playing basketball.
"I really looked forward to this season to play against my sister and a lot of people back where we’re from were looking forward to that, too. It’s definitely frustrating, but I’m a believer in Christ and God. I just know he has a plan for me and everything happens for a reason so I don’t question it."
Gondrezick said she will be in attendance at Crisler Center to support her sister and Michigan State teammates in person. And part of her will be living through Kysre, who has made a big impact during her debut season while helping the No. 20-ranked Wolverines (21-6, 10-3) enjoy one of their best seasons in program history. Kysre is Michigan's third-leading scorer and is averaging 14.1 points.
"It’s just been really good to watch (Kysre) really," Gondrezick said. "I’m kind of like vicariously living through her with basketball because she’s my sister, she’s a year younger than me and we play a lot alike. It’s kind of fun watching her grow, mature and reaching her dreams and do her thing.
"She’s doing really well this season. I’m really, really proud of her."
Gondrezick is hopeful she can one day resume her basketball career and get back on the court with her younger sister. But she also understands the serious nature of her issues and the long-term impact.
Gondrezick still has serious lingering symptoms stemming from her last concussion, such as memory issues, words jump around on the page while reading, migraines and insomnia issues from time to time.
Things are getting better and Gondrezick is going through rehab three times a week. Gondrezick notices an improvement in some areas and not so much in others. She concludes rehab in April and hopes the other areas improve.
MSU women's basketball coach Suzy Merchant said Gondrezick has the support of her program in her recovery and will be re-evaluated following the season.
"I'm just letting it take its course and God give me whatever plan he has," Gondrezick said. "I’m listening to the doctors, my family, my teammates, my coaches and am just going to make the best decision for me, My health and my future (is important) because there is a life outside of basketball. It’s kind of hard to understand that at the moment sometimes."
Contact Brian Calloway at bcalloway@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @brian_calloway.
SUNDAY'S GAME
Michigan State at No. 20 Michigan
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Crisler Center (Ann Arbor)
TV: Big Ten Network
Records: MSU is 17-9 and 7-6 in the Big Ten. Michigan is 21-6 and 10-3 in the Big Ten.