In May last year, Mary Goulding was in a coma, clinging to life.
The Canterbury and Tall Ferns international basketballer was involved in a serious car crash near her hometown of Rangiora, north of Christchurch. She was in a coma for 12 days, barely being able to walk and talk at the start of her recovery.
She bounced a ball and shot a basket for the first time again last August. Since then, every mark in her recovery has been quite remarkable.
Mary Goulding warming up before a game for Bendigo Spirit in 2022. (Source: Getty)
1News sat down with Goulding on her new home court at Eventfinda Stadium on Auckland’s North Shore.
"The recovery has been beyond anything I could imagine, such a miracle," Goulding told 1News. "I should not be the way I am... I'm so very grateful."
Soon after the accident, she was told she would probably never play basketball again.
"That’s when the stubborn nature kicks in and goes oh really, well watch me.
"It's come with its lows — a lot of lows. You have these expectations, where you know I feel normal, I look normal, why am I not back to normal?"
After a huge amount of physical and mental rehab, which continues now, 28-year-old Goulding recently played in the second tier regional Australian competition. She starred for the East Perth Eagles.
Now she's signed with the Northern Kahu team, based in Auckland and playing in the upcoming women's Tauihi league.
"I was desperate to play again and contribute to a team and not just to be able to catch a ball, but actually influence games. I want to see if I can get back to my best — there have been doubts though."
Fatigue is still an issue in her recovery, so is constant noise. But the trainee teacher, who relocated to Auckland recently to be with her partner, is able to nap during the day.
She continues to do her teaching studies via correspondence, with a view to having a school placement next year, she's more able to handle full days.
"With basketball, I can choose when I train, I can listen to my body and rest during the day. In those moments where I go, I don't know if I want to train, I say 'thank heavens I can train'."
Goulding has had a long connection with Northern Kahu coach Jody Cameron.
Kahu general manager Maria Tyrrell said: "We heard that she was living in Auckland so Jody got on the phone and said, 'Mary, please come be part of the team'.
"She’s an inspiration to her new team, but also an inspiration to the league."
The Tauihi league this season has doubled its salary cap, allowing more imports, with more international exposure on its way next year.
For Goulding, the most important aspect of the new season, starting in a few weeks, is actually being back on New Zealand basketball courts, playing, contributing and taking time to remember the last 18 months.
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