Allison Devins returns from ACL tear

5 months, 20 weeks, 6 days a week , 2 hours every day playing soccer and that is only school soccer… all gone in one instant. Allyson Devins is an Aurora High School junior who recently is recovering from an ACL tear . For those who do not know what that is it is one of the most common knee injuries for athletes. This occurs when the anterior cruciate ligament that connects the thigh bone to the shinbone tears due to a sudden twisting motion, such an injury requires surgery.

For Allyson Devins such a twisting motion is exactly what she explains, “ I was playing for my club team (Cleveland Soccer Academy) at our first practice of the season. We were practicing at Notre Dame College. At the end of every practice we finish with a scrimmage against the boys team that is practicing at the same time as us. I went for a 50/50 ball against the boy and my leg got stuck with the ball as I fell over the ball. I knew right away that something was wrong with my knee.”

In such a quick instant all of the time and energy put forth into soccer was suddenly put on hold for Devins. An ACL full recovery can be anywhere from 6-9 months to be back to pre injury condition. In Devins case it was a good 9 months to be back and ready to play. Throughout these 9 months Devins proceeded to go to therapy every week while also doing her exercises every day. The steps to recovery start simple and small and slowly and surely builds up to tasks such as running and cutting.

Devins breaks down her recovery explaining, “ The comeback process was very long and exhausting. At the beginning it was very simple tasks such as learning to walk normally again, then it progressed into bending my knee and as the weeks went on we just kept improving. I wanted to recover the right way so I could prevent this from happening again. There were good and bad days but I had a great support system that made it better for me. “

Through a long enduring process Devins has recently made her starting debut again playing right back for the Aurora Lady Greenmen this fall season. With her performance this season you would never know she took time off.

With excitement for her return Devins explains, “ It feels awesome to be back on the soccer field. The end result in this whole experience was to get back to soccer. I was very hesitant at first when it came to playing just because I had not played in over ten months. But I picked it up fairly quickly and was happy to be out on the field with all my friends.”

Devins stands as a perfect example for all teens who face an injury that keeps them from playing the sport they love.

A word of advice from Devins as she expresses, “ My biggest piece of advice would to just take it one day at a time. It takes time for you to recover fully and come back to your sport. It is important to keep a positive attitude even though you are faced with a negative situation.”

For everyone out there battling an injury, just keep taking it step by step. Our own Aurora Lady Greenmen Allyson Devins has proved that no matter the obstacle it can be overcome.