The Journal

Issue date: 11/8/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Max Gersh Senior english major and midfielder Katie Mannion tore her ACL Sept. 26, cutting her Gorlok soccer career short.

When senior Katie Mannion, stepped on Francis field at Washington University on Sept. 26, she didn't realize not only would she tear her anterior cruciate ligament but she would be ending her soccer career at Webster University.

During the game, Mannion collided with a Wash U. player after she stopped on the field. ACL injury is usually more common in twisting injuries then in collisions, said Mannion, but her right foot was planted and didn't give, but instead popped when she was hit. Trainers on the field took her out of the game and told her to get the knee checked if it was swollen.

The ACL stabilizes the knee and if not operated on, could cause greater injury in the future.

"I knew it didn't feel right, but I had such a huge adrenaline rush I didn't realize it was a season-ending injury," Mannion said.

The knee was not swollen, but it was stiff in the morning. However, at the advisement of her parents and just to be safe, she had her cousin, an orthopedic surgeon, examine her knee. Mannion said she knew something was wrong when he did the same examinations over and over. He finally broke the news.

"I felt like everything paused," Mannion said. "I was caught in disbelief, when I began realizing last night's game was my last college game."

Mannion said even though her initial reaction was anger and disappointment, she had to try and see the positive. Although her season was cut short, she felt like the eight games she played, she played her hardest, and will not look back in regret.

"My parents brought me up with a strong faith, so God has a plan," Mannion said. "(My parents) helped me get into perspective. I can't change it, so I change my attitude."

After Mannion's surgery on Oct. 15, she returned to the soccer field for her Senior Night. It was the first time she had been out of the house besides the surgery, and she was confined to crutches. She said although being with her team lifted her spirits, it was emotionally painful.

Mannion also received an injury last year that took her off the field for five weeks.

The day after the accident, soccer coach Luigi Scire called WU trainer Martin Fields to let him know the situation. Fields said it's more common in contact sports such as soccer and basketball to receive this kind of injury then in traditionally non-contact sports such as swimming and tennis. He also said scientific statistics say women are more likely to have the injury than men. Fields said that in sports, all he can hope is that injuries are avoided - especially season ending injuries.

Continued...

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