Piedmont Athens Regional Orthopedics and Sports Medicine names Emma DiMascio Athlete of the Month

Athens, Ga. (October 15, 2026) – Piedmont Athens Regional Orthopedics and Sports Medicine has named Emma DiMascio, a volleyball player and team captain at Lake Oconee Academy (LOA), its Athlete of the Month in recognition of her determination while recovering from a lateral ankle sprain.

After the injury, DiMascio and her family worked with Piedmont Athens athletic trainer Victoria Adams, who works exclusively at LOA, to develop a three-phase rehabilitation plan. Phase one focused on reducing swelling and bruising while improving range of motion. Phase two added strengthening exercises, and phase three increased the difficulty of the strength training while incorporating sport-specific exercises.

“Emma came in on day one ready to do whatever it took to return to volleyball,” Adams said. “Even when treatment and rehabilitation exercises were hard, she never skipped a day or a repetition. At times, she was doing multiple rehab sessions a day and consistently asked what she could do at home to continue improving.”

Immediately after the injury, DiMascio was given crutches and a walking boot while her ankle healed. By the end of the first week, she had progressed to using only the walking boot. Halfway through the second week, she was able to walk with her ankle taped or supported by a brace.

DiMascio’s commitment helped her return to volleyball less than three weeks after the injury. Even after being cleared to play, she continued daily taping and maintenance rehabilitation to help ensure she was ready to compete safely.

“Emma’s commitment to her recovery was pivotal to her return,” Adams said. “I am extremely proud of all the work she put in to make sure she was healthy and ready to compete with her team.”

Due in part to DiMascio’s efforts, LOA recently won the Class 4A-AA region championship and earned the No. 2 state ranking in its classification ahead of the first round of the playoffs.

The Piedmont Athens Regional Athlete of the Month program recognizes local student-athletes who demonstrate perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication while overcoming injury or illness. The award highlights athletes whose commitment to recovery allows them to return to the activities they love and serve as examples to others.

Piedmont Athens Regional Orthopedics and Sports Medicine specialists provide comprehensive care for athletes and active individuals of all ages, including injury prevention, orthopedic care, sports medicine services, rehabilitation and return-to-play programs.