Tommy Ahneman’s return to basketball brought both pain and pleasure during a practice in late June at Notre Dame. On the Rolfs Hall court, the 250-pound sophomore power forward experienced the physical toll and emotional satisfaction of the game once more.
Ahneman's body struggled—his lungs burned, legs ached, and arms felt like they were holding heavy weights during the first pickup game. Yet, he embraced the challenge. It reminded him of the playing he missed since his high school days in suburban Minneapolis, where he was a top performer.
Ahneman never began last season. A second surgery on his left knee in the fall ended his year before it could start. He watched most of the season from the bench. His standout moment might have been as a defensive anchor in a loss to Cal in January. Recovery meant regaining the basics, like rebounding again.
In a mid-July chat with the Tribune, Ahneman reflected on missing the game. 'When you’re out, you realize how much you miss it and how much you love what you do,' he said.
For Ahneman, the court represents more than just competition—it's a place to breathe, to run, to feel. It's the contrast between summer drills and stationary bikes, and summer action with rebounds, defense, and the joy of playing again.