In a fatal accident on April 5th, a Division 1 tennis player from the University of the Incarnate Word, Ivan Smith, suffered severe injuries. Ivan was attending college in San Antonio, Texas, and has a wonderful record in doubles. Moreover, he have achieved a professional doubles ranking and one national collegiate doubles championship. While driving his black mustang to the tennis practice, his car was hit by another car; leaving Smith heavily injured.

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The young tennis prodigy was at an early stage in his career. He was equally good at both, sports and academics. As his father recalled, the last thing they discussed before the accident was his grades, and Ivan spoke happily about it. He spoke about the upcoming tennis matches, where he was going to play at Rice University and Texas A&M. Everything was going very well for him until the fateful incident happened.

Smith was rushed to the BAMS after the crash, where his treatment is going on. Speaking about his condition, his father said,
“Ivan has been out of the intensive care unit for a bit but isn’t yet ready to enter into a rehabilitation facility. Until then, his mother, Anita, remains at his bedside at the hospital. his injuries were numerous, and fluid built up in his punctured lungs almost killed him days after entering the hospital. Doctors also performed surgery on his spinal cord, rebuilding it with 16 screws.”

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The grief-stricken father had more bad news coming. It devastated him when the doctors actually told him his son won’t be able to walk again.
“My wife Anita actually talked to one of the doctors who operated on Ivan the next day, and that doctor said he would never walk again,”he added.

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Ivan’s family is hopeful of a miracle. They are planning for some clinical trials to find the best, most advanced treatments. They believe that he has got a lot of support and backing. His father hopes the people will come forward to help with the fundraiser, which would help them support his medical care.

UIW Community Extends Support for Ivan Smith

Ivan Smith joined UIW last year and has been one of their key players. The UIW community is standing firmly behind Smith. UIW men’s tennis Instagram handle posted a heartfelt note for the ailing player; extending their support and wishing for his speedy recovery.

 

 

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A post shared by UIW Men’s Tennis (@uiw_mens_tennis)

The UIW Men’s Tennis Team is currently taking part in the Southland Sports Championship saw players donning “Ivan Smith” shirts to support their teammate.

In an official statement, the UIW Athletic Director said, “Ivan has been an integral part of our UIW athletics family ever since his arrival last year. Our players, coaches, and the entire UIW community are praying for his recovery and we will continue to support Ivan and his family moving forward.” 

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With all the prayers and support behind Ivan, we hope he wins the hardest match of his life and gets well soon.