“Honestly, like, it’s been a whirlwind. But I feel like now people don’t talk about it as much.” When former Stanford alum stepped into the pros as overall no.2 pick by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2024, little did she know that one tiny misstep would be enough to halt her debut season. While Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby, and Azura Stevens have been leading the franchise this season, one lingering absence echoes greater in the locker room. That of Cameron Brink.

Brink was sidelined mid-season after succumbing to a left knee injury on June 18, 2024. This one injury crushed the former rookie’s hopes of a promising season and her aspirations of appearing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The incident occurred at the Mohegan Sun arena, during the face-off between the LA Sparks and the Connecticut Sun.

While not a part of the active roster, Brink’s steady progress and improvements in practice sessions hinted of her possible return this season. After several speculations surrounding Brink, Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts finally addressed the issue and broke her silence on Brink’s expected return on the hardwood.

In fact, The Underdog WNBA took to social media and broke the news on X (former Twitter) with a caption that read, “Roberts: Sparks hopeful Cameron Brink (knee) will return before end of July, via @johnwdavis.” The news puts an end to Cameron’s return 389 days after she suffered the injury.

In fact, ESPN reporter, Holly Rowe had speculated the star’s return to the active roster ahead of the 2025 WNBA All-Star games. Brink was often seen in practice sessions, working on her comeback. Earlier this month, national reporter caught the athlete on camera. She was seen “participating in skeleton work,” as a preparation ahead of her return.

Brink had appeared in a reality show named Celebrity Wheel of Fortune last month, and provided details surrounding her injury. “(I) tore my ACL, tore my meniscus as well, but it’s all surgically repaired now,” Brink told host Pat Sajak. “So, I’m good. It’s just going to take me a couple months to be back.”

The forward athlete tore her ACL and suffered a meniscus tear during the first quarter against the Sun. Brink was driving a layup shot within four minutes into the quarter when the incident occurred. Instead of landing on her left foot, she twisted her leg and slipped on the floor. Her teammates immediately rushed to the spot and assisted a limping Brink off the court.

She was averaging 7.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game before the injury. Set to return to the hardwood by the month-end, can Cameron Brink’s presence bolster the Los Angeles Sparks towards climbing the current standings? Or is it too late already? With 14 losses in 20 games so far, playoffs look like a far-fetched dream for the Sparks locker room.

Cameron Brink stays in the headlines despite surgery

“Yes in every lifetime.” Cameron Brink got engaged to her fellow Standford alum and boyfriend, Ben Felter. Her former boyfriend proposed Brink in the most romantic way, atop the Eiffel Tower in Paris last September. While Brink shared the dreamy pictures on social media, her W athletes, including Angel Reese and Rickea Jackson came forward to congratulate the athlete.

But this was not it. The Los Angeles Sparks’ player made an appearance in Sue Bird’s podcast earlier in April. She was joined by teammate Dearica Hamby. And in the middle of a discussion, Brink blurted, “I want a baby.” Taken aback by the sudden statement, Hamby said, “Relax. Cut the camera.”

Well, Cameron went on to explain that she did not intend on having a baby soon, instead she can wait out five years before having kids of her own. “No, it’s not crazy to want a baby, it’s just the work,” Sue Bird assured Brink, whose statement was enough to shock the two players.

Bird went on to talk about how she might not want to have kids, but she still has her “eggs on ice,” and even advised Brink to do the same. As Brink prepares to join the active roster before July ends, will it jolt the locker room dynamics? While she will fail to appear in this season’s All-Star games too, it will be exciting to watch Cameron’s comeback this season. What do you think?