An Inspiring Comeback Story of Resilience and Discipline 

My journey has been one of resilience, determination, and an unyielding spirit to win. From a promising college basketball player to a seasoned professional, my career has experienced extraordinary highs and devastating lows. Through it all, I have emerged not just as a successful athlete but as someone who hopes to inspire others through my story.

The Initial Setback

My story of perseverance began during my college years at Oral Roberts University. As one of the top scorers in the country, averaging just under 24 points per game, my future in basketball seemed bright. However, tragedy struck in 2013 when I suffered my first major injury: a torn ACL. This injury could have ended my career, but I was determined to fight back.

A New Path: Plant-Based Diet and Recovery

After four surgeries, I made a significant lifestyle change in 2016 by adopting a plant-based diet. This shift played a crucial role in my recovery, helping me to reduce inflammation, speed up healing, and improve overall health. The transition to a plant-based diet was not just about physical recovery but also about embracing a holistic approach to health and wellness.

Finding Mindfulness

In 2017, during my ongoing recovery journey, I discovered the power of mindfulness. This practice became a cornerstone of my rehab process, helping me to manage pain, reduce stress, and maintain a positive mindset. Through mindfulness, I learned to focus on the present moment, which was essential in dealing with the challenges of injury and recovery.

Overcoming Further Adversity

Unfortunately, the path to recovery was not a straight line. In 2014, I faced what was diagnosed as compartment syndrome, resulting in a bilateral fasciotomy. In 2015, I suffered a torn labrum in my shooting shoulder. The following year, I re-tore the same labrum. These injuries were compounded by ongoing muscle tears, bone fractures, and numerous severely rolled ankles. Despite these potential career-ending setbacks, my determination never wavered. I applied the principles of mindfulness, discipline, and resilience to overcome each obstacle.

In 2022, I faced another significant challenge with a second ACL tear. However, with my experience, mental fortitude, and holistic approach to recovery, I continue to fight back.

Leveraging a Background in Psychology

My journey is further strengthened by my academic background. I earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Oral Roberts University in 2016 and subsequently pursued a Master's in psychology. This academic foundation, combined with practical experience in sports, gives me a unique perspective on the mental aspects of athletic performance and recovery. Moreover, having two licensed therapists in my family, my father William Emegano and my sister Cynthia Emegano, provided me with additional insights and credibility, bridging the gap between sports practice and psychological expertise.

The Birth of WonbyOne

My experiences with injury and recovery led me to a profound realization: the need for a comprehensive approach to athletic performance that addresses both mental and physical well-being. This realization inspired me to create WonbyOne in 2021, a lifestyle and fashion brand dedicated to providing mental health and wellness support to athletes.

WonbyOne's mission is to empower athletes to achieve holistic well-being and peak performance through a blend of mental health support, performance enhancement techniques, and injury recovery practices. My journey through recovery, combined with my psychological knowledge, has equipped me with the experience and expertise to help others develop resilience, discipline, and a winning spirit.

Mindful Athletic Performance (MAP) Program

To further my mission, I developed the Mindful Athletic Performance (MAP) Program in 2024, structured into three phases: Mindfulness, Performance, and Injury Recovery. This program offers a comprehensive approach to improving athletes' mental and physical well-being through structured lessons, practical exercises, and ongoing support. Key components of the program include cultivating mindfulness, awareness of breath, visualization, meditation, discipline, stress management, and proper nutrition.

Effective Resources: WonbyOne Mental Health Podcast and Youth AAU Team

In 2022 I launched the WonbyOne Mental Health Podcast. This podcast features guests sharing their stories and experiences with mental health and wellness, providing valuable insights and support to our community. It serves as a powerful resource for athletes and individuals seeking to improve their mental well-being.

In addition to the MAP and the Wonbyone Podcast I established a youth AAU basketball team under the WonbyOne banner. Wonbyone Elite not only focuses on athletic development but also emphasizes the importance of mental health, discipline, and a winning spirit. By mentoring young athletes, we aim to instill these values early on, helping them to grow into well-rounded individuals both on and off the court.

Inspiring Others

Through our MAP program, the Mental Health Podcast, and Wonbyone Elite, we are striving to make a significant impact on the athletic community. I am not only helping athletes recover from injuries but also teaching them how to enhance their performance and develop a winning spirit. My story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of mental health, and the potential for holistic approaches to transform lives.

My journey from a promising college athlete to a successful professional basketball player and now a mentor and entrepreneur has been filled with challenges. Despite facing numerous setbacks, my unwavering determination and innovative approach to recovery and performance have been key to my growth. Through my work, I hope to inspire and empower others to overcome their challenges and achieve their full potential.

I invite you to join me on this journey. Explore the resources available through WonbyOne, listen to our podcast, and consider the Mindful Athletic Performance Program. Together, we can achieve holistic well-being and peak performance. Share your own stories, engage with our community, and let's build a future where mental and physical health go hand in hand.