North Manchester, Ind. — On March 29, 2025, Manchester High School carved its name into Indiana sports history. But the night’s defining story wasn’t just the school’s first-ever boys basketball state title — it was Kaleb Kline, a senior who played all season on a completely torn ACL.
“That moment was the greatest moment of my life,” Kline said, still glowing days after the final buzzer. “It was just a great group, and we went through a lot together. It was awesome to be able to go out on top.”
For Kline, the road to that mountaintop began with a detour — a devastating injury during the first half of the first football game of the season.
“I Tore My ACL in the First Half”
The injury — a complete anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear — would have ended most athletes’ seasons. For many, it would have ended their high school careers altogether.
“It was terrible. I was really looking forward to football season, and to have it cut short — it was not great,” Kline said.
He was devastated. But then came the question: Could he still play basketball?
“The Doctor Gave Me a Chance”
Most athletes facing an ACL tear undergo reconstructive surgery followed by months of rehab. For seniors like Kline, that timeline typically rules out participation in the following basketball season.
“The doctor gave me a chance — said it may not work — but I didn’t want to have any regrets,” Kline said. “I wanted to be able to do it, since I didn’t get to play football.”
What followed was a calculated gamble. Kline opted for intensive rehab and stabilization training — skipping surgery — and suited up for nearly 30 high school games wearing a specialized knee brace.
An Unprecedented Feat of Mental and Physical Toughness
“I’ve never coached anybody that’s played on a torn ACL,” said Manchester Head Coach Eli Henson. “From NBA to high school, I’ve never heard of anybody doing that. For Kaleb to do it — it just shows how tough he is, mentally and physically.”
Despite the injury, Kline played with poise, control, and leadership. Game after game, he held his own — cutting, defending, shooting — all on a knee held together by determination and duct-taped hope.
His performance throughout the season helped drive the Manchester Squires all the way to the IHSAA State Championship — a first in the school’s history.
A Season Worth More Than a Trophy
When the final buzzer sounded and the championship trophy was hoisted, Kline’s contributions didn’t go unnoticed. In recognition of his resilience and character, he was awarded the IHSAA Mental Attitude Award — one of the state’s most prestigious honors for high school athletes.
“It meant a lot to me. I wasn’t expecting it at all,” Kline said. “I’m grateful that people nominated me to win it.”
For Coach Henson, the decision to nominate him was a no-brainer.
“He pushed through his rehab, never complained, and led by example. It was an easy decision to put him up for that award,” said Henson.
What It Takes: Lessons Beyond the Court
Kaleb Kline’s story is more than a sports headline — it’s a case study in resilience, a blueprint for how to handle life’s unexpected injuries, and a message to anyone facing setbacks.
“Everyone says to work hard,” Kline said. “But you’re going to face setbacks. You’ve got to be able to push through and keep working no matter what.”
His journey — from the crushing disappointment of a torn ligament to the ultimate triumph on Indiana’s biggest high school stage — is now immortalized not just in a trophy case, but in the hearts of a community
