For the 22 year old college lacrosse player at Guilford College, Ryan, a day on the lake with friends was supposed to be a fun and relaxing afternoon for him. Instead he was burden with a brain injury, concussion, and the unforeseen decision to end his college lacrosse career.

  Though he may not be a part of the team on the field, his teammates still include him as their teammate and friend. Just because he cannot play for the Quakers anymore does not mean that his teammates do not want him to be a part of the team. Ryan comes to every home game. You can find him standing on the sideline with his teammates cheering them on to victory. His friend and previous roommate, John Padden said, "Ryan was a great lacrosse player. I had a lot of fun playing on the same field as him. When you think about his accident and all the medical issues Ryan goes through--he is one tough guy! He does not let his injury get the best of him. He is always encouraging the team to work harder. Our team goes out onto the field with a little piece of him kept in mind each time we practice or on game day. Ryan's positivity helps motivate the team win or lose." 

  Ryan has a strong support system along with his family, girlfriend Lexi, friends, coaches, and teammates. Every individual in his life has encouraged him to keep pushing forward and to see the good in all things. Everyone can learn something from Ryan Dotson and his story. Whether it is to know the signs and symptoms of a concussion, seeing Ryan lead from example to still being a team player in all aspects of life, succeed in achievements in academics, and importantly, never giving up.

  The Guilford College Men's Golf Team has welcomed him onto the green and to feed his desire to be an athlete Ryan has always had. Ryan said that golf is not a contact sport as lacrosse was but it is still great to be a part of a team. The golf team has goals just like any other team does and Ryan is happy to be a part of that lifestyle again.

  Ryan's demeanor to be a team player and to give 100 percent to his team is what drives him. His drive and willingness to never give up keeps him busy. The thoughts of being a person with a brain injury is placed on the backburner for the time being. When Ryan is participating with his lacrosse team at the game on the sidelines or enjoying a round of golf, he does not have to think about the endless doctors appointments, constant headaches, stresses of life and school, his unwanted friend that sticks to his brain, the concussion.

  Taking a step back from the chaos for a little while helps Ryan to keep fighting his brain injury. Being a part of the teams helped him cope with his issues and reminds him of who he is as a person, teammate, and an athlete. Sports has always had a big impact on his life from childhood to now, being in the action before his injury was his, "home away from home", and he has learned how to incorporate the same "home away from home" feeling into this season of his life. The positivity he gives out within his own life radiates out to others around him. Ryan has turned a negative thing in his life and flipping it to a positive. At times, when his injury starts to take a toll on him, he is reminded of all the good in his life and is thankful to be alive, breathing and walking.

  Ryan Dotson, has overcome many obstacles of a concussion and is still working towards becoming fully healed from his injury. Though Ryan lives with a concussion and a brain injury, he still pushes forward in his everyday life to be the best student he can be. He changed his whole life from the lake accident but is confident that one day the doctors will help him beat the concussion. Ryan's family, girlfriend Lexi, and friends are very supportive in his recovery. Ryan has been positive throughout his injury and looks forward to a day without a concussion.

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