Marissa Campbell stronger than ever after 3rd ACL injury in four years

Marissa Campbell is a physical player. She loves soccer and has dedicated most of her life to the game. 

"It just would be weird if I wasn't playing a sport," she said.

But what you may not know about Campbell is that her left knee isn't the strongest.

Back in 2013, she suffered an ACL injury and that was just the start of a rough four years.

"I mean I knew the chances of it happening again were very likely but it was kind of like, whoa, it's actually happening," she said.

Three ACL injuries in a span of four years. Three surgeries that kept her from playing alongside her friends.

"I was doing the same thing over and over again and the third time when it happened, I was like I can't believe this is happening again," said Campbell. "It was devastating, it was heartbreaking, and frustrating."

But back in March, eight months after her latest ACL tear, Campbell was back on the field and is now in the middle of her third season with Medaille.

She's happy to be back but also knows the chance of tearing her ACL a fourth time can come any day.

"I think it gives me a reason to push harder and appreciate playing," she said.

Because while another tear means her collegiate career is most likely over, it also pushes her to savor every single kick and every single practice because when you're doing something you love, why not give it your all?

"Normally some people would be like wow 90 minutes, that's a long time to be out there with a bad knee. but I'm like please don't take me out," she said. "I don't want to go out. I just love being out there. There's no feeling in the world like playing soccer."

A never give up attitude that's paving the way for Campbell this season as she looks to stay on the field more permanently.

"That's the plan," she laughed. Not to tear it again."

For more on Marissa read here courtesy of our friends at Sports Union WNY.

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