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Amsterdam Today
By the People, for the People
Amsterdam Basketball Star Returns After Year Away
Pegasus Santana rejoins Amsterdam boys' basketball team after taking a year off to work at a local hospital.
Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:20pm
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Pegasus Santana, a junior on the Amsterdam boys' basketball team, decided to take a year off from the sport last season to work at a local hospital instead of participating in daily practices, workouts, and games. However, Santana has now returned to the team, rediscovering his love for the game.
Why it matters
Santana's decision to step away from basketball for a year and then return highlights the challenges young athletes can face in balancing their passions with other priorities. His story provides insight into the mental health and personal growth aspects of high school sports.
The details
Last winter, Santana, then a junior, decided to take a break from the Amsterdam boys' basketball team and instead work in the kitchen at nearby St. Mary's Hospital. He felt his love for the game was fading and that he would be better off earning a paycheck. However, after a year away, Santana has now rejoined the team, rediscovering his passion for basketball.
- Last winter, Santana took a year off from the Amsterdam boys' basketball team.
- This season, Santana has returned to the Amsterdam boys' basketball team.
The players
Pegasus Santana
A junior on the Amsterdam boys' basketball team who took a year off from the sport to work at a local hospital, but has now returned to the team.
What they’re saying
“If you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it's yours. If it doesn't, it never was.”
— Pegasus Santana
The takeaway
Santana's story highlights the importance of balancing one's passions with other priorities, and the value of taking a step back to rediscover one's love for the game. His return to the Amsterdam boys' basketball team after a year away demonstrates the power of perseverance and the resilience of the human spirit.
