During her early years, the Jnr NBL player struggled to walk, run, jump and squat due to a shortening in both her Achilles tendons, making sport extremely difficult to participate in.
At eight-years-old, Cavana-Pearey had double Achilles surgery to lengthen the tendons and help her with her mobility.
Then just two months after surgery, she attended her first basketball session at Teesside Lions.
"After the operation Verity’s resilience and determination shone through," said mum, Clare Cavana-Pearey.
"She began an intensive physiotherapy treatment, which she was so committed to and trained her body to do simple tasks that we take for granted.
"From her first basketball session, she has gone from strength-to-strength emerging in a sport and club, which she loves.
"Verity has progressed from training in the community sessions into the U12 Durham League, the U16 National Basketball League and this year was invited to participate in the Aspire programme for the North East. Verity’s passion for basketball and her team-mates is a delight to watch. Her energy at attitude on and off the court is so inspirational."
“Verity joined us around three years ago as a casual community player. Within a relatively short space of time her abilities and co-ordination developed, and she was invited to more advanced training sessions.
In 2024, we entered the girls into an U12 league, predominantly, made up of boys teams and in their first game they beat the previous season’s champions.
"Verity has blossomed into an excellent player, who is playing a significant role in our U16 National League girls team too. She has become a strong role model for the younger girls and a positive influence on activity at training and games. Basketball has a great and positive impact on many individuals. Life can often throw hurdles in our way and I am so proud of Verity, both as a person and a player to be reaching these heights. Her dedication, and progression is admirable and inspirational.”
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