Written by: Anna Goodman
On March 23 Godwin senior, then junior, Aly Betz, suffered from a life-altering injury while playing an away Lacrosse game at Glen Allen High School.
It took multiple days and multiple doctors until Betz was able to receive a definitive diagnosis.
After reviewing the results of her MRI Betz’s doctors confirmed her greatest fear. She had torn her ACL, MCL, and Meniscus otherwise known as a “knee blowout”.
“I was shocked and devastated. All I could think about was not playing lacrosse my junior year with the seniors and not being able to play field hockey my senior year,” said Betz.
Betz has been playing lacrosse for six years making Junior Varsity in eighth grade and Varsity all throughout high school. Slightly newer to field hockey, Betz began playing as a Freshman on Junior Varsity and moved up to Varsity for her Sophomore and Junior years.
Due to her injury, Betz was unable to play field hockey this season, however, she remained with the team as manager.
In hopes of being able to continue her athletic career, Betz set out on her path to recovery.
With an injury like hers, surgery is inevitable. “At first I wasn’t scared about surgery but as it approached I was scared since it was my first surgery,” said Betz.
However, she had no need to worry as she had her family rallying behind her. They proved to be a great help during her recovery process.
“My family was extremely supportive in helping me during recovery. Especially since my mom is a physical therapist, she was a huge help,” said Betz.
Betz had to relearn everything from having to walk to bending her knee. For the past six months, she has been going to and will continue to go to, the gym to strengthen her leg.
“Although I didn’t have my senior season for field hockey, I hope to play my final season of lacrosse in the spring,” said Betz.
Sports tend to be a vital part of student’s day-to-day lives. Unfortunately, injuries are bound to happen, and athletes must figure out how to best adapt to their new circumstances.
Betz is familiar with this occurrence and offers advice to those who may be experiencing something similar, “Stay strong and don’t give up. Keep a goal in mind and work towards it. Be optimistic and encouraging.”
