Dominguez Hills’ Hamer Battles Back After Car Accident

Two years after a car accident, Cal State Dominguez Hills volleyball player Angela Hamer says the pain in her back “kills her.”

The 5-foot-7 junior outside hitter overcomes the pain by focusing on the game. She deals with the pain after the match.

Hamer’s 1989 season ended abruptly after she suffered neck and back injuries, including a smashed vertebra, when her car was rear-ended by a taxi.

“I was in therapy four hours a day, seeing four different doctors,” said Hamer, who is considered by Coach Nancy Fortner to be one of the Toros’ best players.

Hamer wore a neck and back brace for eight months and doctors told her that she would not be able to play volleyball again.

But Hamer wouldn’t listen.

“There was no way that I could accept being immobile,” Hamer said. “I thrive on the competition of volleyball.”

Because of her injury, Hamer, who was a California Collegiate Athletic Assn. honorable-mention selection last season, needs two hours of treatment prior to each match.

She receives ultrasound therapy as well as electrical stimulation and “heat treatments that burn so bad that it takes your mind off the pain” after the match.

“I don’t know why I do it,” she said, “but I just love the sport.”

Hamer enrolled at Dominguez Hills with no intention of playing volleyball because of a high school ankle injury. She decided to try out for the team, but wasn’t a starter before the accident, according to Fortner.

“When she came back she seemed to have more incentive, more determination to prove to me that she should start,” Fortner said.

Outside hitter Gale Derricott says Hamer raises the level of play among teammates.

“We all seem to play better when Angela’s on the court,” said Derricott, who attributes Hamer’s success to court sense and finesse.

Last year the Toros finished 7-22 overall and 1-9 in CCAA play, but with six players returning, Hamer is hopeful the Toros can become a winner. To help the cause, she has taken more of a leadership role.

“I like to be a leader,” said Hamer, who will “yell and scream” and do whatever she feels is necessary to inspire her team. “I expect all of the players that are on the court to give 100% all of the time.”

The Toros (12-14 overall, 0-3 in CCAA play) already have more victories in any season since 1986. The Toros play host to UC Riverside on Friday at 7:30 p.m. The Highlanders are ranked No. 4 in Division II.

“We continue to improve in every match,” Hamer said. “We have the will to win this season.”