Louisville Signee Myah Epps Stable After Back Surgery Following Fort Wayne Crash; Long Recovery Ahead

Myah Epps is stable and recovering in Fort Wayne after back surgery, but Louisville head coach Jeff Walz made clear what comes next won't be quick. Walz, who visited Epps in the hospital, said doctors were pleased with the initial outcome while cautioning that "she's got a long road in front of her, recovery-wise." For a 5-foot-10 combo guard who averaged 14 points on 52% shooting with 4.1 assists, 2.3 steals, and 4 blocks per game across 26 games this season, the timeline to return to the floor is now measured in months, not weeks.

The crash that set that timeline in motion occurred the morning of March 13, when Epps was driving to school in Fort Wayne. First responders airlifted her from a Fort Wayne-area hospital to an Indianapolis medical center for emergency care. She underwent back surgery the following day, and the surgical team reported the procedure went well. By March 23, regional reports confirmed she had been released from the hospital and was back in Fort Wayne beginning her recovery.

Homestead's official girls basketball account posted the early relief on behalf of the family: "According to the family, doctors reported that her back surgery went well. Continued prayers for Myah as she begins her recovery."

Homestead head coach Rod Parker moved quickly to address the noise that followed the crash, releasing a statement to confirm Epps was in stable condition and calling out the misinformation spreading online. "At this time, any other information or rumors being shared are inaccurate," Parker wrote. The family, through a GoFundMe established the Saturday evening after the crash, offered their own message: "The Epps family is so thankful for the outpouring of love they have received through messages, calls and prayers that have been sent to them. Keep the love & prayers coming, it is being felt!"

The fundraising response was striking in its speed. The GoFundMe raised more than $10,000 within its first five hours. By Sunday morning, the total had climbed to $26,000 from 230 donors, against a stated goal of $50,000.

The community rally formed around one of northeast Indiana's most decorated players. Epps closed her Homestead career with 1,560 points, 445 assists, and 217 steals, guiding the Spartans to three consecutive sectional championships from 2023 through 2025 and a 2024 regional title that was the program's first since 2017. A Class of 2026 signee, she had been on track to bring that production to Louisville women's basketball this fall.

That timeline now carries uncertainty. Back injuries requiring surgery in young athletes demand extended rehabilitation before full basketball activity can resume, and medical professionals emphasized the need for careful, long-term recovery. Louisville has made clear the scholarship stands: the program intends to honor its commitment to Epps and will coordinate with her family on the timing of any move to campus.

The next steps belong to Epps, her family, and the medical team guiding her care. Homestead and Louisville have both asked the public to hold speculation and respect the family's privacy as that process unfolds.