Overcoming Her ACL Injury Mentally & Physically: Stronger Than Ever

Meet Maya Wilson, a determined soccer player who faced the challenges of an ACL injury but emerged stronger and more resilient than ever – physically and mentally.

How did your injury impact your daily life? 

My ACL injury significantly impacted both my physical and mental well-being, disrupting my daily life in ways I hadn’t anticipated. As an active soccer player, it was incredibly difficult to transition from the field to the sidelines during my freshman college season. Learning that I would be sidelined for nearly nine months was a heavy blow, not only to my physical health but also to my mental state. The setback took a toll on my motivation and outlook, as I struggled with the emotional challenges of being away from the sport I loved. Physically, the recovery process was long and demanding, requiring patience and perseverance. Pushing through each phase of rehabilitation, I had to adjust to a slower pace of life, constantly reminding myself of my long-term goals and the effort needed to return to full strength.

How are you doing now? 

I am doing very well now and am back playing the sport I love. Although the recovery process took time, I’ve regained full confidence in my knee and feel stronger than ever. This injury has been a valuable learning experience, teaching me not only about the importance of perseverance but also about how to better care for my body. It has given me a newfound appreciation for the recovery process and the resilience it takes to overcome setbacks.

What was your experience with Dr. Chudik and his team?

My experience with Dr. Chudik and his team has been outstanding. They have provided incredible support, both emotionally and physically, through two knee injuries now. Whenever I had concerns or encountered issues during my recovery, they were always there to reassure and encourage me, making me feel confident and cared for every step of the way. They were even able to put a smile on my face and make me feel secure on the day of my surgery. Their dedication and compassionate care have had such a positive impact on me that they’ve even inspired me to pursue a career as an orthopedic physician assistant, with the hope of helping others the way they’ve helped me.

Any highlights from your treatment plan?  

One highlight of my treatment plan was the way Dr. Chudik and his team instilled confidence in me throughout my recovery. There were moments when I doubted myself or didn’t feel ready for the next step, but they always believed in me and helped me believe in myself. A perfect example of this was before I was cleared to play soccer again. I questioned whether I was truly prepared to return to the field, but they reassured me that I was strong and ready to go. Their encouragement and support were essential in helping me regain the confidence I needed to get back to the sport I love.

What advice would you give to others facing a similar injury? 

The advice I would give to others is to not rush the recovery process. At first, this was difficult for me to accept because I’m used to pushing my body to the limit. However, I learned that taking breaks is not only okay, but it will also positively impact you both physically and mentally. Recovery can be a slow process, and progress is often hard to see. You may even take a few steps backward along the way, which can be frustrating because recovery is rarely linear. But know that, in time, you will get back to where you were before, if not stronger. Another important piece of advice is to surround yourself with the people you love and take the time to focus on yourself. It was tough not being able to attend soccer practice every day or work, but I used that time to recharge and spend quality moments with my family and friends. Their unwavering support played a huge role in my recovery, and I truly couldn’t have accomplished everything I did without them.