Myles Stute's Biggest Rebound

Myles Stute is getting a second chance and not just in his basketball career. The redshirt senior missed most of last season after being diagnosed with left lower leg deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) following the SEC opener at Mississippi State in January.

“I just woke up one morning and felt like my leg was very congested,” Stute said. “It was swollen in my calf area, and it hurt to walk.”

He reached out to Athletic Trainer Mark Rodger, who ordered an ultrasound, and they discovered the clot.

“I was pretty scared when they told me,” Stute said. “As a young athlete, I didn’t think blood clots were supposed to happen to people with my pedigree. After I spoke with the medical staff, they took great care of me through the whole process.”

Stute was put on blood thinners for three months and was given a good prognosis from the medical staff, but there were still challenges.

“They ruled me out of any type of exercise and had to keep my heart rate below a certain level,” Stute said. “It was really tough because we’re in the middle of the season, and I’m working out two or three times a day. To go from that to absolutely no activity was nerve-racking. I’m thankful that they found it when they did and that the clot didn’t travel up my body into my lungs.

“It was awful having to sit out, knowing I could have helped my team in some of those close games. I just had to try to be a vocal presence for my guys.”

At the end of April, Stute received a clean bill of health as well as physical and mental relief.

“I can’t even put into words what that moment was like,” Stute said with a big smile. “It was such a relief. It was a gracious feeling to know I made it through this trial, and now I’m on the other side of it where I have another chance.

“What I learned from this is that I can’t take a single thing for granted. It feels like a second chance at life for me. I truly cherish every moment of this now. The early mornings in the gym, and getting shots up late at night, I love every second of it.

“This whole experience has changed me to be a better person. It has made me look at life a little differently. This is the biggest trial and tribulation I’ve ever been through. It showed me that perseverance, putting your head down, and that willingness can get you anywhere you want to be in life.”

Stute credits his parents, Natalie and Will, with creating a good foundation for his life as well as tremendous support. There’s no doubting the work ethic of a young man who took a job as a janitor at a barber shop as a 12-year-old, sweeping up hair for tips.

“I wanted some extra money, and my parents weren’t going to just give it to me. I learned you have to earn everything in this life,” said Stute, who also learned to play the bass cello and sang in the church choir as a child. “My parents taught me how to be a leader and have always been there for me.”

Stute already has his degree in retail management as well as his own clothing brand, Simulated Dreams, which he looks to expand whenever his playing days are done.

Now that he’s back working out with the team, the dangerous perimeter shooter continues to improve his overall game and noted that the team has a goal to bounce back from a disappointing campaign last year to win the SEC this season.

“I’m so grateful to have another chance to play on this team, be under this coaching staff, and be at this University,” Stute said.