Junior soccer player Mckenzie Godfrey suffered a season-ending injury: an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear on Oct. 10. Shortly after, she announced her verbal commitment to the University of Kentucky to play Division I soccer.
“When I found out I tore it, I was definitely disappointed,” Godfrey said. “My recovery time is expected to be 9-10 months, which would mean I would miss the rest of this season, high school season and nationals.”
Godfrey played for the varsity soccer team last season. Head coach, Blair Barksdale, said Godfrey made a huge impact on the team and will be hard to replace.
“Her soccer IQ and level of play are just both so high, that she was able to read high level defenders and get past them” Barksdale said. “She was really able to come through and clutch moments with goals we needed throughout the season.”
ACL tears are common in youth girls soccer. Year-round female athletes who play soccer or basketball have a 5% chance of tearing their ACL each year they participate in their sport. Godfrey said she tore her ACL at practice from landing wrong, without any contact.
“I was a little shocked because it barely hurt when it happened, and I was walking on it right after, so I would have never guessed that was what happened,” Godfrey said.
Throughout the recruiting process, Godfrey had over 40 Division I coaches contact her. Kristina Godfrey, Godfrey’s mom, said she committed to Kentucky the weekend after she tore her ACL. Kristina Godfrey said the Kentucky staff was very supportive, even after the injury.
“Each coach told her the injury meant nothing as far as their interest and desire in getting her to commit to their program,” Kristina Godfrey said. “They confirmed her offer was still hers to accept or decline.”
Godfrey said since she will be out for a year, there is pressure on her to get back into shape and come back quickly. She also said her support system has helped her to begin to work through her injury, and she is confident in her ability to get back to where she was.
“I got injured at probably the most convenient time because I don’t have to worry about college recruiting or missing my senior year,” Godfrey said. “I would be ready for the start of next season in August, which I’m fine with because I don’t want to rush back when I don’t need to.”
The Kentucky women’s soccer program is ranked 31th. Godfrey said the coaches have consistently been checking in with her. In addition, they have offered her medical advice from their medical staff to make sure she is being taken care of.
“My coaches have been beyond helpful, and their support makes me even happier that I chose that school [Kentucky],” Godfrey said.
Kristina Godfrey said the surgery went very well and the surgeon said everything else in her knee looked great. Her recovery plan includes physical therapy, as well as other exercises to rebuild her strength.
“She started physical therapy on day seven post op and needs to go two to three times per week for the first few weeks,” Kristina Godfrey said. “She has to be on crutches until cleared to walk without them and that is around the four-week mark.”
Midtown’s former varsity coach, Silvia Riet, said Godfrey was a key player for the team. Riet said Godrey’s ability to create chances, even in impossible situations, demonstrates her talent, and she will be missed this year.
“The skillset and the experience that she brings with her adds to the overall team quality,” Riet said.
This year Godfrey will serve as Midtown’s girls varsity manager to stay involved with the team. Junior Eve Nahmias, Godfrey’s teammate, said Godfrey’s continued support shows her dedication and will benefit the team.
“Not having her play with the team will be tough and will definitely feel different, but I know the team will continue to grow and win games with her help as manager,” Nahmias said.
Barksdale said as team manager, Godfrey will be assisting with training plans to utilize her soccer IQ off the field.
“We like to say that she will be the assistant to the assistant coach,” Barksdale said. “She will offer another set of eyes and perspective to the team.”
Kristina Godfrey said this has been challenging for Godfrey. She said that although it has been difficult, Godfrey will use this to her advantage in the long run and persevere to become an even better person.
“It’s an obstacle she didn’t want to face but doesn’t have a choice in facing,” Kristina Godfrey said. “She does have a choice in how she will respond. Knowing McKenzie, this will make her a stronger, more resilient person and player for going through it.”
