Multi-sport athlete and sophomore Ashley Hudgens knows a thing or two about battling injuries in sports. Coming off a season-ending injury, Hudgens continues to push herself in both soccer and basketball.
Hudgens tore her ACL during her freshman basketball season. A torn ACL is a big setback for athletes. The recovery time is six to nine months and the chances of reinjuring the knee increase.
“The moment I tore my ACL was very fast. It was the worst pain I have ever felt,” Hudgens said. “I went for a layup in a different way than what I’d learned and hyperextended [my knee]. I had a gut feeling it was my ACL.”
The recovery process was challenging, but Hudgens was able to get healthy after a successful surgery and months of rehab.
“Rehab was intense, it started the day after my surgery and then moved through each step fairly quickly,” Hudgens said. “It was a slow process and often frustrating, but it got me back as quickly as possible.”
Recovering mentally is just as important as the physical aspect. Getting out of bed every day and having to go to physical therapy was difficult for Hudgens.
“You have to have a lot of drive to do your rehab and get yourself through it,” Hudgens said. “It’s not so much physical, it’s more mental.”
Once her sophomore year began she was able to continue playing on the basketball team as well as the varsity soccer team.
Having supportive teammates and coaches has been nothing but beneficial in Hudgens growth on the field.
“My confidence has improved a lot. With coming off an injury, being with a good team has helped me get through that,” Hudgens said.
Varsity soccer teammate Mckinley Hanninen notices the passion and desire Hudgens has for the sport.
“Ashley [Hudgens] always remains positive. She really uplifts our team,” Hanninen said. “She’s someone you can always count on.”
Supportive coaching has also helped Hudgens thrive and become an overall better player. Strong communication and listening skills is what Hudgens looks for in a good coach.
On the soccer field, Hudgens plays outside defense as well as center midfielder. This allows her to be versatile while playing defense and quickly able to turn it into an offensive possession.
When Northview’s soccer season concludes, Hudgens will continue to enhance her skills by playing club soccer.
“I didn’t have a [travel] team after I tore my ACL,” Hudgens said. “But usually I would play in the fall for Rapids, which is a club team.”
The girls soccer team has shown improvement throughout the season. With Hudgens only being a sophomore, there is plenty of time to strengthen her abilities on the field.
“We may not have the best record, but it’s been fun, and I love my team,” Hudgens said. “I want to play in college, but I’m unsure where and what level.”
