Suffolk News-Herald

After a Sept. 15 car accident, many people thought Christina Maupin wouldn’t make it. Few gave her a chance to walk and talk again. No one could have guessed the Nansemond River senior would not only be home by Thanksgiving, but back in her Lady Warrior cheerleading outfit on the side of a basketball game by Dec. 13.

But it happened.

&uot;I missed my team,&uot; said Maupin, watching her school’s caging squad take on Indian River on Monday. &uot;The basketball season’s just started!&uot;

Shannon Andy remembered the first time the whole squad got to see its captain after the accident.

&uot;We didn’t know she was coming back,&uot; she said of Maupin’s surprise appearance at a practice the week before Thanksgiving. &uot;We all had goose-bumps, and we were clapping for her. It made us even more thankful. Everyone always has a smile on their face when they’re around her.&uot;

Without Maupin, said senior Beth Berryman, &uot;it felt like a part of me was gone. I’ve known her since we were in kindergarten. Now that she’s back, it’s so special. It’s such a miracle. I knew her strong will would get her back, but I didn’t think it would happen so soon.&uot;

As icing on the cake, Maupin’s return game was an exciting victory.

&uot;That felt great!&uot; she said. &uot;I missed cheering, and now I’m here.&uot;