Knee injury, transfer doesn’t stop Palmer graduate from realizing goal

PALMER — Lorna Suaava faced more than her fair share of adversity during her high school career.

First came a massive knee injury and then a transition to a new school and basketball program. But after a successful season with the Palmer Moose girls’ basketball squad, Suaava now has the opportunity to extend her career. Earlier this month, surrounded by friends and family, Suaava signed her National Letter of Intent to attend Southern Virginia University and play for the school’s women’s basketball program.

“I’m super excited. I can’t wait,” Suaava said recently. “Ever since I started playing basketball I dreamed of playing on the next level.”

Suaava, a multisport athlete at East Anchorage before transferring to Palmer, tore her ACL while playing with the Thunderbirds volleyball team.

“It was pretty devastating,” Suaava said.

After making the move to Palmer with her family, Suaava missed her junior season of basketball. She rehabilitated for nine to 10 months.

“A long nine to 10 months,” she said.

But then came her chance to play for the Moose. Suaave instantly became central to the Palmer game plan, and now she’s headed for the next level.

“It’s a lot sweeter,” Suaava said of the accomplishment.

Suaava, who graduated Tuesday as part of Palmer High’s class of 2017, said her coaches and teammates played a big role in her opportunity to succeed and advance.

“The coaches and staff have been amazing. They’ve helped me so much,” Suaava said. “I benefited so much by being here in the Palmer community.”

Suaava hit Southern Virginia’s radar during a summer basketball trip to Oregon. A coach from the program saw Suaava, and watched her play twice during a day in the camp.

“After the evening game she came and talked to me. She pulled me aside and said she really liked my game,” Suaava said.

In addition to basketball, the school also aligned her with Mormon faith.

“It really pulled me in,” Suaava said.

Suaava said she’s been able to keep in contact with the coaching staff and had the chance to visit the campus in Buena Vista, Virginia, earlier this spring.

“I got to know the coach and bond with her a little bit,” Suaava said.

Suaava, who earned first-team All-Northern Lights Conference honors as a senior with the Moose, is expected to be a post player for SVU. Suaava said she also hopes to pursue a career in the nursing field.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.