The Journey Back

Sam Martinez

If someone would have told me exactly a year ago that I would have two ACL tears, I would have never believed them.  As awful as it sounds I still feel blessed that I’m coming back and being a part of this team.  It only seems right to end my final season with this senior class, considering I started my soccer career with this group of girls.  From the beginning I’ve played with Molly and Teeny on good old JB Marine and have played against Jaclyn, Lori, and Jodi, gosh knows how many times.  Then for high school, Maddie went to Lafayette’s biggest rival school, Marquette.  I guess you can say everything happens for a reason and I truly think the reason for me missing last season was for me to end my soccer career with these girls because it’s just that much more meaningful.

I’m still trying to figure out the reason though for getting hurt again in spring.  All I know right now is that I’m doing everything I can to get back to playing at a high level again.  I’m rehabbing everyday now and finally getting touches on the ball.  I’m trying to do every small thing I can to build up muscle.  I even walk around the house on my tippy toes to strengthen my calves and I do squats while I shower.  It’s silly, I know, but every small thing I can do will help.

I would just like to say too, that I wouldn’t be this motivated to get back if it wasn’t for everyone’s support.  It literally broke my heart when I tore it the second time, but my teammates, coaches, alumni, family and friends lifted me up.  So many people reached out to me and it meant the world to me.  I’m not sure on how much of the season I will be able to play.  I just know that this long road I’ve been on will all be worth it if I could just play one game, under the lights, on our home field and hear that song, “It’s a Beautiful Day”.

Sam Martinez
Senior Captain Lady Hawk