The Canterbury-based Tall Fern suffered a traumatic brain injury, resulting in several emergency operations, and was placed in an induced coma for two weeks.
She also broke her leg, tore her meniscus in her knee and had nerve damage in her arm.
She was transferred to ABI Rehabilitation, in Auckland, and made a remarkable recovery.
She was discharged after three and a-half weeks — "I didn’t even quite stay there a month, which was shocking to everybody" — returning home to Canterbury under the guidance of the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust.
It has been an intense time for Goulding, who turned 27 yesterday, and is now living at home.
She threw the crutches away three weeks ago, hoped to be back running within a fortnight and had movement in her arm again.
"It’s been pretty amazing, really, where I’ve come from to where I am now.
"It was three months [on Sunday], which was quite overwhelming for me, because it had felt like 10 months. But at the same time, it’s gone quickly.
"I’m just so grateful to be where I am right now because I know it could be a lot worse."
She was not out of the woods just yet, and was still managing her recovery, becoming more self-aware through the process and learning when she needed a break.
"It’s become a lot easier in the last few weeks. It’s become sort of second nature."
Her family — "they’ve spoiled me" — and faith helped her get through the past three months, as had the basketball community around the world.
Goulding, who played for the Mainland Pouakai last season, was overwhelmed by the messages of support she received from her former team-mates.
"They’ve been amazing ... Particularly the Southern Hoiho have been so good to me.
"I didn’t even get to play a game in the jersey for them and yet they’ve been there since day one."
Hoiho player Zoe Richards visited Goulding, a close friend since living together at college in the United States, when they played the Pouakai earlier this year, dropping off gifts from the southern team.
"It’s been awesome knowing that ... I’m still a part of teams," Goulding said.
"I think that’s the hard thing when you get injured, or when something like this happens — you feel quite isolated.
"I haven’t felt that, though. I’ve always felt like I’m still a part of the basketball community.
"The Hoiho have done a really good job of making me feel a part of their team even though I’m not able to play."
She "kept tabs" on the Tauihi league, scanning the box score when television over-stimulated her, and recently started watching games.
Watching the Hoiho succeed this season had been great and Goulding enjoyed watching their imports — "I would love to play with them" — and locals playing as a unit.
"It hasn’t been upsetting or anything watching the games, which has surprised me, because I thought I’d be very frustrated, you know, itching to get out there.
"Of course I miss it, but I’m kind of at peace with that. This is where I am at the moment, working back to get there, but I’m just really happy for the people that can play."
Her loyalty will be put to the test tonight when the Hoiho host the Pouakai in their final home game, where they will want to avenge their 102-61 loss earlier this month.
"Of course I wish the individuals the best and teams well, but I did sign with the Hoiho, so I’m a little bit biased at the moment towards them."
As she continues her recovery she hopes to be back out on the court again soon.
"That’s my goal — it’s sort of in pencil.
"But if all goes well then, yes, absolutely, my goal is to get back on the court and to be able to play competitively again."
