For the Love of the Game- Tatum’s ACL Jour-KNEE
Injuring her ACL has made Tatum realize just how much she loves and misses soccer and has forced her to simply appreciate the little things. She is tackling her rehab with determination to get back stronger than she was before!
Check out Tatum’s ACL Jour-KNEE so far!
How did you injure yourself?
“I was at a basketball tournament and I tore it when I planted to pass the ball and a girl ran into me from behind and then I heard three consecutive pops in my knee and kind of knew something was wrong. But, I didn’t think it was torn.”
What are some of the challenges you have faced so far with your recovery?
“The mental aspect has been difficult for sure. Staying positive is not easy to do. I have to remind myself almost everyday to not give up. Also, relearning how to walk and run has been very difficult. It may seem like an easy thing to do, but when you lose that ability, it seems near impossible to learn how to do it again. Also, something that was difficult was taking a shower. It would take about an hour because I was unable to move my leg without a brace on.”
What has been a positive component to your recovery?
“As much as this recovery has kind of sucked, it has been refreshing to have a fresh start for my body. Knowing that I’m going to come back even stronger than before is a thought that keeps me going and determined. Also, I have re-fallen in love with soccer. When you are watching from the sidelines, it really makes me realize how much I love this game and how much I crave to get back to it.”
What are your goals?
“My goals are to regain my starting spot on my club soccer team and also to come back even stronger than before. I want to leave all the players, coaches, and or anyone else that has underestimated or doubted me to be in shock. I also plan to take the spring season off from high school to really regain my strength and to get in great shape for the following club season. College recruiting is right around the corner, and I need to be 100% ready.”
Katie Cordery, PT and Tatum discovered that they both wear “Grit” necklaces!
What advice would you give someone that just found out that they tore their ACL and have to have surgery?
“I know it seems like the end of the world right now. Trust me, I was bawling my eyes out for weeks. I think that it is very important to acknowledge that it is going to be a very difficult journey. But, I cannot stress enough how important it is to stay disciplined. Those are the days where you have to suck it up and remember your end goals. Also, pre-hab is extremely important. Doing your PT before surgery will help to not lose as much quad muscle. It helped me. You can do this. Keep your head up.”
Favorite quote to live by…
“IF they whisper to you, ‘you can’t withstand the storm’, whisper back, ‘I am the storm.’” (Unknown)
“Believe in yourself as much as I believe in you.” (My mom says this to me before every game)
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