Pitt basketball's Kyla Nelson returns to the court after cancer surgery

The game of basketball can mirror life.

In between those lines, there is a competitor.

Athletes go out every day to challenge themselves and persevere against roadblocks to victory.

For Pitt women’s basketball player Kyla Nelson, the competitor was cancer, the challenge surgery and the roadblock the will to live.

“Basketball is vehicle for life, and that was evident pretty much through the person sitting here next to me,” said coach Lance White after Nelson’s first game back Dec. 17. “To get back to this level is a testament to Kyla’s work ethic. Kyla is such a great story, and I am so excited to have her back.”

She is glad to be back.

In her return against Miami (Ohio) at Petersen Events Center, the Worthing, England, native played 12 minutes and made a 3-pointer to get her team within 59-54, but Pitt lost 80-71.

The biggest highlight for Nelson, came before tip-off when ESPN’s Holly Rowe surprised her in the Panthers locker room. Rowe, a cancer survivor, who connected with Nelson immediately after she announced her diagnosis Sept. 25, flew in a day early for her assignment to cover the NCAA Division I volleyball championships at PPG Paints Arena.

“Holly is a huge inspiration,” Nelson said.”With everything she has been through, she came to see me. I told her I was sorry because when she came I hadn’t done my hair yet. I didn’t know she was coming.”

White said he wasn’t allowed to say anything about Rowe’s visit. Rowe and Nelson shared moments before and after the game, when Nelson was greeted by hugs from fans.

So proud of this warrior. Back on the court just a few months after cancer surgery. Go Kyla!!!! @Pitt_WBB @kylanelson_ ❤️??#warrior https://t.co/Fj31nHL26r

— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) December 18, 2019

The 5-foot-11 junior guard is an inspiration to people who battle cancer every day, said White, whose team opens ACC play Monday at North Carolina.

On Jan. 19, Nelson and Syracuse point guard Tiana Mangakahia, who revealed in the summer she has breast cancer, will be honored at the noon game at Petersen Events Center.

Nelson said she wouldn’t have made it through without the support of teammates. Fifth-year guard Aysia Bugg, who missed the final 26 games of last season with blood clots, knows the feeling of getting back in the game. But health has to come first.

“We talked about her being patient and listening to her body,” Bugg said. “I rushed to come back and didn’t pay attention to my body. I know she was so excited about coming back, and we were so excited about having her come back but her health was the top priority.”

Nelson’s basketball knowledge is what makes her a leader, Bugg said.

“Kyla was a missing piece to our team that is now back,” she said.

Nelson’s return came after undergoing successful surgery to remove cancerous cells in October after being diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor of the appendix.

It’s been a crazy September! Grateful to have so many amazing people in my corner. Ready to take on this next challenge so I can fully focus on the season ahead #H2P @Pitt_WBB https://t.co/1I8ScCyvg4 pic.twitter.com/j660O5FR9z

— Kyla Nelson (@kylanelson_) September 25, 2019

For six weeks she wasn’t able to do much physical activity, so she had to watch from the sideline. Her parents came for the surgery, but she won’t see them again until February.

Nelson started practicing around Thanksgiving.

Last season, Nelson averaged a career high 6 points and 2.2 rebounds per game. She was first on the team and fourth in the ACC in 3-point field goal percentage (40.4). She played a career high 611 minutes in 30 games and made 42 3-point shots.

She said being back on the court, she wasn’t focused on herself.

“I was really focused on what I could do to help the team,” she said. “I didn’t take time to process everything I’ve been through. I was just so happy to be back on the court. I felt slow and rusty.”

Nelson said she learned about resilience and also about vulnerability because she struggled to let her emotions out and let other people help her.

“I also learned to put things in perspective and not worry about every little thing,” she said. “I try to stay focused on what’s important. I can’t wait for this not to be about me.”

White said cancer changes perspective. He said Nelson overcame the toughest opponent. Her knowledge of the game is amazing, he said.

And she jumped right in and played at a high level.

“That is a testament to her,” he said. “What she brings to the team can’t be measured. She is one of the most selfless people I know. She doesn’t crave attention. Having to rely on other people has been a huge part of her growth through all of this. The game of basketball is real life stuff.”