Senior soccer players lament another lost season

Kaitlyn Jolly, Design Team

Courtesy Photo

Senior Katelyn Boales

Q: When did you tear your ACL? How did it happen?

A: “The first time I tore it it was last March and it was a pretty weird thing that happened. I just shot the ball and my knee popped really bad and I had thought that I just dislocated it. And a week later, I went and got an MRI and I had completely torn my ACL and part of my meniscus. I had that surgery last April. And then this most recent time, it was my first game back in December after being cleared, and it was in the last 30 seconds of the game. I went in for a header off of a corner and I collided with the goalie and when I landed back down to stabilize myself, my knee popped again. And it was that same exact feeling and I just knew that I had torn it again. And I went to the doctor to get another MRI, and I had completely torn it again and had surgery in the beginning of January.”

Q: How frustrating is it to not play your senior year? 

A: “I’ve been playing soccer since I was 4 years old, going on 15 years this year. And it is extremely frustrating not being able to play my senior year, especially since we didn’t get to play last year either. It’s definitely hard to see the team out there playing knowing that I can’t, but I want to be there for my team, and I’ll give them all the support I can.”

Q: Are you going to get back to playing in the future or are you done? 

A: “I was planning on attending Bethel College because I had a scholarship, but my surgeon told me that it’s a better idea to no longer play competitively, which was heartbreaking because that’s all I’ve ever done is play soccer. I plan to take a year or so off before I get back into playing. I don’t want to risk tearing it again for a third time because I’d like to walk with ease when I’m older.”

Q: Are you staying involved with DHS soccer?

A: “Oh for sure. I couldn’t leave all those girls. We’ve been through a lot together. I’m staying involved by just going to practices and doing whatever I can to help.”

 

Senior Alyssa Rowland

Courtesy Photo

Q: When did you tear your ACL? How did it happen?

A: “I tore my ACL (and meniscus) on Jan. 4 at my club soccer practice during a small scrimmage.”

Q: How frustrating is it to not play your senior year? 

A: “I’ve been playing soccer since I was 8. It’s very frustrating since I also didn’t get to play my junior year due to Covid. I set a lot of goals to accomplish in my senior year and not being able to play is just really sad.”

Q: Are you going to get back to playing in the future or are you done?

A: “I’ll be attending Newman University to further my soccer career.”

Q: Have you kept the same goals for college soccer?

A: “I might have to change them up a little since it’s college, but I will definitely be setting goals for myself.”

Q: Are you staying involved with DHS soccer? 

A: “Yes! I went to tryouts, and I go to practices, and I’ll be at the games. I can’t do much now since I’m on crutches, but once I’m off I’ll help more as if I’m a manager.”