Sarah Nemeth returns to soccer

Senior Sarah Nemeth’s soccer career began at the age of four and required an interruption of her career in December of 2016. She was practicing with her travel soccer team when she tore her ACL and meniscus. Flash-forward about two years, Nemeth is now playing as a varsity player for the high school soccer team.

“I was practicing with my club soccer team, and during a drill, I jumped to block a ball and landed on my right leg. When I landed my knee wobbled and gave out.”

For a year, physical therapy was a constant in Nemeth’s life. She needed surgery but for prehab, she was required to do three months of physical therapy. Post surgery, Nemeth went to PT for nine months. She now no longer needs to go to physical therapy.

Nemeth found it difficult not playing. It was the first time she had stopped playing. She had wanted to play, so watching from the sideline created a longing and appreciation for the game.

“I consider myself a very competitive person, and not being able to compete in soccer was hard to swallow.”

Although she was restricted to the sideline, Nemeth still found that she had a role, as much as when she played. Her coaches and teammates were supportive. She was able to help out by providing helpful ideas on what she saw on the field.

Eventually came the time for Nemeth to return to the field. She was discouraged about returning to soccer, but she talked with her coaches and teammates. Nemeth decided she wanted to return to the game she loved, which helped her through physical therapy and her recovery.

The beginning of her return was difficult, but eventually, things came back to her, like riding a bike. Being injured created an appreciation for good health and the ability to play. She said playing soccer now feels better than before.

Even though she had a renewed love for the game, Nemeth had trouble mentally when initially returning. She returned healthy, but she played conservatively. She was afraid of re-tearing her ACL. This fear removed some of the enjoyment of the game for Nemeth. She eventually moved past this block as she gained more confidence about her knee. The confidence allowed her to fully enjoy playing again.

Nemeth loves playing soccer and has wanted to play at college since a young age. She still plans to play in college; her injury is not stopping her.