In November of his senior year, Brody Kozlowski, one of Utah’s top high school basketball players, experienced a life-altering event. A severe car accident on Draper’s East 700 Highway left him injured and uncertain about his future. The pain in his shoulder and the fear of losing basketball consumed his thoughts.
At the time, Kozlowski had a scholarship offer from USC. He worried that his basketball career might be over. “I thought basketball was gone,” he recalled, his mind racing through the pain and upcoming school exams. He also dreaded telling his parents about the accident. Little did he know, this event would lead to his recovery and a new path at Brigham Young University (BYU).
The Night of the Accident
That night seemed like any other. Kozlowski had just finished practice at Corner Canyon High School. His father, Travis, watched his younger brother play basketball, while his mother, Kristin, prepared to commentate on a BYU basketball game. Everything changed when Travis received a phone call from a stranger. His son had been in an accident.
Rushing to the emergency room, the Kozlowski family faced the fear of uncertainty. Fortunately, Brody survived, but his recovery would be difficult. The physical rehabilitation process was tough, and Brody watched his team struggle without him. “It was really hard and depressing,” he admitted.
The Road to Recovery
Kristin reflected on how the accident impacted her son’s identity. “So much of who he was tied to basketball,” she said. “When that was taken away, it was painful—physically and mentally.” Despite these challenges, Brody persevered. After two and a half months, doctors cleared him to return to the court. His collarbone had not fully healed, but he was determined to play.
On January 19, in his first game back against Copper Hills, Kozlowski battled nerves and a still-fragile shoulder. He was rusty but managed to score 29 points and grab 16 rebounds. His effort led Corner Canyon to a 68-47 victory.
A Triumphant Return
Kozlowski’s return sparked a major turnaround for his team. Corner Canyon went on to win 12 consecutive games, securing a spot in the 6A state championship game. Although they eventually lost, Brody earned the title of Utah’s 6A Player of the Year once again.
Now at BYU, Kozlowski is adjusting to college life. Reflecting on the accident, he says, “It taught me to appreciate every moment and be grateful for everything I have.” Though his journey continues, he carries a new perspective—and a physical reminder with the steel plate and screws in his shoulder—of how quickly life can change.
