Chasing the ball down the sideline of the field, I felt on top of my game and grateful to be playing after recovering from a major ACL knee injury. The strenuous hours of rehabilitation the prior year had finally paid off. The pressure of the upcoming season had led me to endure significant levels of fatigue to reach my mental and physical readiness. I was confident and elated to be playing on the Varsity soccer team. As I defended an opponent, I made a sharp cut and collided, causing my leg to give out, and sent me crashing to the ground. In denial, I held back the tears, but the pain was agonizing. All I could think of was tearing my ACL, once again. I claimed that I was fine and that I didn’t hear the dreaded popping noise, but in the back of my mind, I knew I wasn’t fine.
I could not reverse what happened and after much effort to suppress the truth, an MRI revealed a much worse injury than anticipated. I was crushed both physically and mentally to find out that I tore my other ACL, fractured my femur, and tore my meniscus. Since the age of five, soccer has played a vital role in my life. Therefore, I was in disbelief when I realized that I would no longer be able to play college soccer, or possibly never step on the field again.
Waking up after surgery and looking down at my leg, I knew this was just the beginning of another long recovery. Although this was my second ACL surgery, the course was even more difficult as I lacked motivation knowing that I couldn’t return to the field. The first two weeks after surgery, I was unable to lift my leg, stand on my own, or get out of bed without assistance. I thought that this year would be filled with afternoon soccer practices while being recruited by scouts. Instead, my afternoons involved intensive rehab. A strong support system of friends, family, and my physical therapist helped me remain positive.
While this year presented overwhelming challenges, it also provided me with the most growth when discovering ways to overcome adversity. Instead of solely focusing on recovering my knee, I decided to explore other interests. My love of soccer instilled a need for remaining part of a team, being competitive, and thinking strategically. In search for activities with similar principles, I began an internship to learn more about business strategies and volunteered by mentoring youth. Most importantly, from volunteering I gained a more accepting perspective and developed a greater appreciation for helping others. My competitive nature reached new heights as I pushed myself personally and academically.
After hearing the dreaded popping noise of my knee, for the second time, I resiliently picked myself up off of the field. I persevered and proved to myself that I am a strong person. Instead of focusing on the “what if’s” or dwelling on all of the negativity surrounding the injury, I decided to redirect my future so that it was altered to fit the new course my life was taking. If it were not for the diversion on the field, I would not have had time for an internship where I identified my career interest in business. Marketing has become a passion of mine as it encompasses working collaboratively within a team, while thinking strategically in a competitive market. I also would not have had the opportunity to become inspired by individuals within my community who possess an unwavering positive outlook. I may no longer be chasing the ball down the sidelines, as I have found a new career path and an altruistic direction to run after. Being part of the business world, I look forward to utilizing my skills from soccer by motivating others, while helping my community, and tackling any obstacles along my path.