Rebecca Jarrett knew it in an instant.

“The second it happened, I knew what had happened,” said Jarrett. “Unfortunately, it is a very common injury, especially in women’s soccer.”

Three letters every women’s soccer player dreads. A-C-L. The day before a big game against reigning 2020 National Champion Santa Clara, the Virginia forward saw her season end abruptly when she tore her ACL and meniscus in a non-contact practice injury. She needed surgery to repair her right knee and a season that started off right for Jarrett with 3 goals in the first 4 games was over.

The sound of the tear, a teammate writhing in pain, and the possibility of injury from a movement these athletes have done a thousand times were all harsh realities the team had to face before one of the biggest games of their season. “One thing that doesn’t get talked about is that it’s a very traumatizing experience for everybody else,” Jarrett said. At the time of the injury, her teammates were very concerned as she was not only a vital part of their offense, but a friend.

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