The Philippines’ Vanessa De Jesus during a game against New Zealand in the Fiba Women’s Asia Cup. Photo from Fiba
MANILA, Philippines—Filipino-American guard Vanessa De Jesus will miss the upcoming 2023-24 season for Duke University due to a knee injury.
The injury came just a month after De Jesus made her Gilas Pilipinas Women’s debut at the Fiba Women’s Asia Cup last June.
“A short time ago, I suffered a knee injury during practice that will keep me out for the upcoming season. It still feels unreal how things can change so suddenly,” De Jesus posted on Instagram.
“It has been hard to digest especially with what I thought this year would hold and all the work I’ve put into this point.”
The Blue Devils have also released a statement with regard to De Jesus’ injury.
The team, however, did not disclose the full extent of De Jesus’ injury.
The 21-year-old De Jesus has already played three seasons with Duke. She’s appeared in 66 games with 18 starts, averaging 5.1 points and 2.0 assists per outing.
Vanessa De Jesus. Photo from Duke University
De Jesus said she won’t let the setback deter her from reaching her goals.
“I have trust in the process and will keep my head up, not letting these circumstances keep me down or alter the dream. This is just another trial I must go through, that I’ll learn from and come back even stronger.”
Gilas Women coach Pat Aquino and players Ella Fajardo and Camille Clarin offered their well wishes to De Jesus.
“Your Gilas family will be here to support and pray for your quick recovery. Take care V,” said Aquino in a comment to De Jesus’ post.
“Sending prayers your way Vanessa, you got this!” said Clarin.
“I love you V,” said Fajardo.
De Jesus helped the Philippines finish in sixth place in the Asia Cup where she averaged 12.8 points and 3.2 assists in five games.