The 2014-15 basketball season held much promise for Christina Deiorio, a senior at Curry College. But on Oct. 15, the first official day of practice, the Cardinal Spellman graduate landed awkwardly on a layup, tearing the anterior cruciate ligament, as well as the medial collateral and meniscus in her right knee

The 5-foot-8 guard from Stoughton underwent season-ending surgery a month later. Deiorio graduated in May, but she returned to Curry this fall to work on her master’s in elementary and special education, which allowed her to suit up for a fourth year of eligibility.

A captain, Deiorio has started nine games, averaging 10.4 points per game while pacing the Colonels (4-5) with 12 three-pointers and an 85.7 percent accuracy from the free throw line. She scored a career-high 19 points in a 67-45 win over Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in November. She was a two-time captain at Spellman, where she also played softball and tennis.

Q. How difficult was it to be sidelined last season?

A. It was tough but I really felt like I didn’t miss a beat as far as being on the team because I was at every practice and game supporting them and I received support back from them in dealing with my injury. So it was motivational for me.

Q. Did you think your career was over?

A. When I first got injured it wasn’t in my head that I would have another chance to play. As time went on it ended up perfectly because Curry had what I needed to get my master’s, which allowed me to play another season.

Q. How difficult was the rehab process?

A. It wasn’t easy. In the beginning I thought my career was over, but at the same time you realize that you are the only person that can control the outcome. I wanted to stay positive so I could be successful coming out of surgery and rehab. I had my bad days but I stayed positive and once I found out I could come back and play it pushed me even more.

Q. What is the team goal this year?

A. Last year we made it to the CCC conference championship game so we’re hoping to get back there and win it, since we’ve all had a taste of what it’s like to be there. We’d love to go back.

Q. What is your plan for after your receive your master’s?

A. When basketball is over I’ll focus on school and my goal is to be an elementary school teacher. And I would love to coach. I don’t want to give up basketball for good and would love to stay involved with the game.

Q. As a captain, are you a vocal leader or do you lead by example?

A. I would say both. I definitely try to help the girls as best I can on the court, but it’s important to be a leader off the court as well. For the freshmen, this is all new to them, so I tell them to try their best and give 100 percent all the time and that everyone is important to the success of the team.

Q. Do you have a favorite NBA player?

A. I am a huge Celtics fan and I’ve always looked up to Paul Pierce. He’s definitely my favorite player. He has always been such a clutch player and I’ve always admired his style of play.

I still keep up with the team. They are better than they’ve been and have a lot of potential.

Q. Who is your biggest fan?

A. I would say my younger brother Matthew. He is a junior at Cardinal Spellman. He doesn’t play now but has always loved the game. He comes to all my games and knows all my stats.

He shoots around with me and works out with me all the time.

John Johnson

For full interview, go to bostonglobe.com/south.