Denying the presence of someone with 277 kills in the final game because of a right ankle sprain? Yeah, that’s a tough sell. The latest update? Anna DeBeer made an appearance at Louisville volleyball’s practice after her injury in last Thursday’s semifinal. But she wasn’t in action. Nope, just watching from the sidelines, probably itching to get in the game.

Coach Dani Busboom Kelly didn’t sugarcoat it: “It’s an ankle injury, so I think it’s kind of day-to-day.” She added, “The extra day [between the semifinals and final, which used to be Saturday night] gives us hope. I think if we were playing [Saturday], there would be no hope.” Translation? It’s touch and go, but at least time is on their side—for now.

And then, plot twist: moments before the NCAA volleyball championship final, Anna DeBeer popped up in her jersey, joining her team in a pre-game huddle at the KFC Yum! Center. Volleyball journalist Lincoln Arneal caught the sighting and threw out some cautious optimism. Could she play as a free substitution? Maybe step in to serve? Not out of the question, but definitely a long shot.

As per the latest updates, Anna DeBeer skipped the initial warm-ups again today. Instead, she stayed parked on the bench, just like Friday and Saturday. The good news? No boot this time. The not-so-good news? She hobbled into the arena, clearly avoiding putting pressure on that right foot.

And as the match kicks off, Anna is still glued to the bench. After wrapping up the pre-game schedule, she left the team, leaving freshman Payton Petersen to step into her spot in the lineup. If that sounds familiar, it’s because Payton already got her crash course in heroics last Thursday when Anna’s injury forced her out in the fourth set. The freshman didn’t just fill the gap—she lit it up with two aces, four digs, and two kills in just under two sets. Talk about clutch!

Her performance wasn’t just noticed; it earned a glowing review from coach Dani Busboom Kelly. “We knew we needed to use this year to get her ready, and she’s going to be a staple in this program. She’s the type of player we need and develop really well here. She has a high volleyball IQ, somebody who has a lot of confidence in themselves, and exudes leadership. I saw all that in the recruiting process and sold her to join us.” Translation? Payton’s not just a sub; she’s the future of this squad, ready to take over Anna’s position in the squad in the final game. But how did we even get here? What exactly happened on Thursday that sidelined Anna DeBeer?

Anna DeBeer might miss her last college game 

On Thursday, Anna DeBeer led the charge against the Pittsburgh Panthers. Being the senior outside hitter, she brought damage to the opponent. In fact, when she left the game in the fourth set, she already had 16.5 points beside her name. That was her fireworks in that vital game. Nonetheless, in the fourth set, Anna formed a block with colleague Phekran Kong in the center of the court. In the meantime, she leaped with Kong, her arms spread. Kong and DeBeer fell together; her right foot landed on the former’s left heel. Meanwhile, DeBeer’s ankle twisted to one side. The senior realized the depth of her injury. 

Just under the net, Anna DeBeer went down—hard. One moment she was fighting for every point, and the next, she was flat on the court. The suddenness of it all shook her, tears streaming as her body trembled. It was a heartbreaking sight. Two University of Louisville support staffers quickly rushed to her aid, escorting the former ACC Player of the Year off the court.

In true DeBeer fashion, she returned later—not as a player, but as her team’s biggest cheerleader. Booted on her right foot, she joined her teammates on the court post-victory, celebrating their win even through her own pain. That boot, though, was all anyone could talk about. The injury chatter went into overdrive.

And now, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Sunday was supposed to be Anna’s final collegiate game, the perfect swan song for a stellar career. Instead, the big question looms: is this the end of the road, or does she have one last fight in her? Things are looking murky, but this isn’t over just yet.