The Game Can Heal Only Some Wounds

At some point, Mindy Finkelstein hopes to walk onto a volleyball court and serve.

She will then step off the court, out of harm’s way, and let the point play itself out.

Chatsworth High might score. Its opponent might force a side out. Either way, Finkelstein’s season will be made.

Finkelstein has been looking forward to this moment since the beginning of the girls’ volleyball season, when it became evident she would not be recovered from two gunshot wounds suffered at a Granada Hills day-care center Aug. 10.

Finkelstein, a camp counselor at the North Valley Jewish Community Center, was shot by a gunman in her right leg. Authorities have charged Buford O. Furrow Jr. with the attack.

She was expected to be a reserve middle blocker this season for Chatsworth but was on crutches until five weeks ago. Doctors are concerned about the strength of the femur in her right leg and have not allowed her to play.

If she is cleared to play, her participation probably will be very limited. No jumping. No hitting. No blocking. Only serving.

Until then, Finkelstein sits on the bench during matches, sometimes wearing her game jersey, sometimes not.

The Chancellors (13-0) are expected to advance far into the City Section playoffs, which begin Monday. Finkelstein wishes she could contribute.

“You know you’re still part of it, but you’re not,” Finkelstein said. “I miss everything about it.”

Finkelstein, dubbed an assistant coach by Coach Bud Dow, sometimes has to leave the gym because of loud noises. A volleyball banging against the ground. A coach or teammate yelling. Sounds that can recall the tragedy.

She has tried to express her emotions in a college-entrance essay. Part of it is about the shooting.

“Writing about it is the worst because it brings everything back,” she said. “After the shooting, I didn’t want to talk about it. It’s hard because it comes from such deep emotions.”

Above all, she wants to serve. It could happen in the playoffs.

“It’d be awesome if I could play one game,” she said. “Especially if it was the [City] Championship.”