Road to Recovery: 'Don't watch the clock ... Keep going'
Plus, Ellie details an important announcement about the upcoming 2024 season with BYU women's soccer.
Editor’s note: The following is a journal entry by Ellie Walbruch as part of the college soccer star’s “Road to Recovery” series, powered by Defense Drinks. It has been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Support Ellie’s Road to Recovery by using promo code "ELLIE" at defensedrinks.com to save on every order of the patented collagen-based energy and recovery drink.
You can read part 1 of Ellie’s “Road to Recovery” here and part 2 here.
As I sit down to reflect on my journey from ACL surgery to finally being able to lace up my new pink Hokas and run, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Time is a funny thing. In some ways I can hardly believe it's been almost four months since my surgery, but it also feels like a lifetime ago that I was lying on that operating table wondering what the future held for my my soccer career.
Someone shared this quote with me at the beginning of my journey:
“Don’t watch the clock. Do what it does … KEEP GOING.”
That’s what I’ve done: Kept going. And, here I am, prepping for a new chapter, and it’s an incredible feeling.
July 1, 2024 — 81 days after the operation.
Today was a huge milestone — I got to run again, and did my first touches.
OK, maybe I wasn’t full sprinting just yet, but we're talking gentle jogging on grass turf. Perhaps it was a small victory, but it felt like a giant one.
To be completely honest with you, I used to hate running when I was younger. It was hard and I didn’t really look forward to doing it — but I knew I needed it for conditioning. The more I ran, the more i started to really enjoy it and it became a big part of my life.
Now with my injury occurring, I appreciate it even more. Running holds a particularly special place in my heart because of the memories I've shared with my Mom. Before my ACL injury, we would often go for early morning runs together, running our same route from Cedar Hills to longer runs in American Fork Canyon. It was our bonding time, a chance to catch up and talk about our lives while getting in “just a few more miles.” I cherished those moments, and feel grateful to have the best running partner who kept me in top shape.
When the day finally arrived and I was cleared to take my first steps back on the track, Mom was by my side. She took the first step with me and cheered me on as I tentatively made my way around the track.
It was awkward at first, my legs so stiff and still unsure of themselves. But with each passing step, I felt myself becoming more confident. The rhythm of my footsteps returned, and before I knew it, we were jogging.
It's incredible how different it feels now. My body is stronger, but more importantly, my mind is stronger, too. Running used to be a stress reliever for me; now it's a celebration of resilience and accomplishment. Every step is a reminder that I can overcome any obstacle, no matter how hard it may seem.
For those of you out there going through an injury, remember this saying:
“Believe in YOURSELF and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is GREATER than any obstacle.”
Kicking a ball for the first time after surgery was also a moment of pure joy that I struggle to explain. The thought of putting on my cleats and lacing them up felt like a dream come true. I've been waiting for this moment for so long, and it was amazing to put my boots back on my feet.
I was able to do some light touches with the soccer ball, including juggling, short-distance passing, and dribbling down a straight line.
The feeling was surreal. It was like nothing else mattered except for me and the ball. I felt like my old self again. I have to do gradual things with the ball starting off slow, and as I get stronger and my knee gets stronger, I can start doing more and more.
In lieu of trying to stay as positive as possible, this journey hasn't been easy. I’ve had some down days and definite struggles — but I’m grateful for those who have been in my corner, pushing me to overcome.
Physical therapy has been tough. I am so grateful for my physical therapist, Mallory McFarlane, for challenging me and keeping me right — both physically and mentally. Some days I am extremely sore, especially when my knee is getting used to doing more and more load, but that’s when I remember what it means. The COMEBACK is real.
My strength coach, Alex Neff has been incredible, encouraging me to work through the pain and frustration, and celebrating with me when we hit small milestones. He is a rock for me, a loyal coach and a true friend.
It's amazing to look back and see how far I've come. When I first started PT, I could barely straighten my leg and get it past 90 degrees. Now I'm jogging and doing squats and lunges — like a pro.
The biggest surprise for me has been the growth that has happened inside of me. It’s. been a mental game as much as physical.
Before my surgery, I felt so frustrated and was devastated about not being able to play soccer again. But through this journey, I've learned to focus on the process rather than the outcome. I've learned to trust my body and trust the work that's gone into rebuilding both my knee and my strength.
As I look ahead to the next phase of my journey, I'm excited to see what lies ahead. I'm just going to take things one day at a time and soak up these small victories.
People are often asking me if I'm "healed" or “are you back yet for this season?” And my answer is “No, not yet.” I’ll be taking a medical redshirt this fall, but as the season starts in a few weeks I’m excited to lead the team, in a different kind of way from the sidelines.
I’ll be cheering them on every step of the way. I know my comeback is coming soon and I can’t wait.
Thanks to a partnership with Defense Drinks, Ellie will be sharing insights into her Road to Recovery with Salt City FC. The college soccer star will contribute regular journal entries, dialogue and thoughts at saltcity.soccer about her journey, her trials and her victories as she tries to get back on the pitch.
Follow Ellie's journey at saltcity.soccer and across @saltcityfc on social media platforms, and support her Road to Recovery by using promo code "ELLIE" at defensedrinks.com to save 10% on every order.
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