High school wrestler returns to mat after spinal fusion surgery

SPOKANE, Wash. — Briella Portrey was six years old when she first stepped onto a wrestling mat, her long hair falling out of place as she grappled with her brother Peerless. More than a decade later, after undergoing spinal fusion surgery and years of wearing custom back braces, the high school freshman has reclaimed her place in the sport she loves.

Briella’s journey began with a routine doctor’s visit. During an exam, her physician discovered her spine had a 42-degree curve — a condition known as scoliosis. The diagnosis led her family to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Spokane, where she would spend the next four years returning for X-rays, check-ups, and custom braces designed to prevent her spine from curving further.

Briella still remembers the details of those braces. “The blue one with butterflies … I’m pretty sure that was my first one,” she said.

For Briella’s mother, Kayla Portrey, the frequent trips to Shriners became routine. The family was already accustomed to spending weekends at athletic events — three of the Portreys’ four children wrestle, making tournaments a central part of their family life.

“Wrestling takes up the most [time] because three of the kids do it,” Kayla said.

But as Briella’s scoliosis progressed, the stakes grew higher. By age 12, her spinal curve had worsened to 68 degrees, prompting doctors to recommend spinal fusion surgery. The procedure would fuse vertebrae together to stabilize her spine, but it was a significant decision for a young athlete.

“I knew it was going to happen, but I didn’t think it was going to happen that quickly,” Briella recalled.

The surgery lasted several hours, and Briella spent many days recovering in the hospital afterward. Yet the team at Shriners worked with her and her family to develop a plan for her return to wrestling. Kayla appreciated the care and communication throughout the process.

“I never felt like rushed with anything, always felt like questions were answered,” she said.

Three years after her surgery, Briella has made a remarkable recovery. She returned to the wrestling mat and competed as a freshman in Washington’s 4-A State Championship last year, winning her weight bracket.

“I feel normal again,” Briella said.

For Briella’s mother, watching her daughter overcome such a significant health challenge while pursuing her passion for wrestling has been profound. The emotional weight of supporting a child through both athletic competition and medical adversity is something only sports families truly understand.

“That uniqueness of, like, just the emotional part of watching your kid, whether they win or lose, being out there and like doing it on their own,” Kayla said.

Briella’s experience at Shriners Children’s Hospital left a lasting impression on her. The hospital became a refuge for her family during those four years of treatment, and the lessons she learned there extend far beyond her medical recovery.

“Keep being positive, I guess, because everything will work out just fine,” Briella said.