01 Mar 2026 Hana Staples – Bigelow (501 Basketball Team 2026)

When you see Bigelow’s Hana Staples on the court this season, you see a young woman who refused to give up when things got tough. Diagnosed with exercise-induced compartment syndrome at the beginning of her sophomore season, the Lady Panthers’ leader found herself fighting a battle she never expected.

“Being away from the game was incredibly challenging, both physically and mentally, but it taught me patience, resilience and trust in the process,” she said. “One of my coaches told me that God may have been protecting me from something far worse, and it changed my perspective completely.”

Following a two-year absence from basketball, Staples returns to the court for her senior season, grateful for every moment. 

“I’m still learning how to manage my condition one game at a time,” she said. “This experience has taught me gratitude and strength and I’m thankful for those who continue to believe in me.”

Her resilience has left a mark on the entire Lady Panthers program. “Hana has shown incredible toughness to fight through injuries and adversity, while never making excuses,” Head Coach Pete Ryan said. “She loves her school and her community and represents Bigelow well in every way.”

Turning adversity into positivity, Staples plans to attend college and pursue a degree in the medical field, and hopes to help others one day. “Do not let your setbacks define you,” she said. “Your journey won’t always look the way you expect, but every challenge has something to teach you.”