DON’T EVER GIVE UP

After 2nd ACL Surgery, I Am Ready To Go Again

Champions' TriBUne 9/10/2020 11:08:00 AM

Champions' TriBUne Archive

By: Maddie Algya

Champions' TriBUne is a special feature through Baylor Athletics that gives you the student-athlete's perspective and the chance for them to share their own story. Maddie Algya, a redshirt sophomore from Highland Village, Texas, has had two ACL surgeries over the last two years. She scored two goals and assisted on two others in the first six games of her collegiate career and then made 15 starts as a midfielder last season before going through her second surgery in January. Soccer opens the 2020 season with a game against TCU at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11:

Growing up, I tried many sports. From gymnastics, to softball, volleyball, and even basketball, nothing seemed to be fun until I began to play soccer. I have been playing soccer for 14 years now and have loved every second of it.

I began my career playing at just 6 years old and never believed it would take me this far. As I grew up, I transitioned through many leagues and coaches, but finally found my home on my D'Feeters ECNL 00' team. When I joined the team, I was 14 years old and fresh into high school. My coaches were Randy Shaw and Steve Davis, and they became such a big part in my growth and success as a player and as a person. I was first recruited by Baylor when I was 15 years old. My coach, Steve Davis, had a daughter who was playing for Baylor Soccer at the time, so it was great to have a close connection. As the scouting process began, I was also beginning to dominate the game. I would play fearless, as if nobody was watching at all.

One day, I received an email stating that Baylor Soccer was interested and wanted to have me come to campus for a visit. After that, I kept in contact with the coaches frequently, visited campus many times, came to Baylor Soccer games and got to know a lot of the Baylor players. I knew that this Baylor Soccer atmosphere was different than any other school. The family aspect did not compare to anywhere else. Everyone was so welcoming and genuine, there was no "fakeness" about it. I had made my decision and committed to play soccer at Baylor University when I was 15 years old. I had received comments about how I was "too young" and "how could I know?" but I have never doubted my decision for a second.

Three years after committing, the time had finally come. Freshman year, I quickly realized that college soccer was a new level of physicality and mentality, so I accepted the challenge. I worked hard, passed the fitness assessment and earned a starting spot. In the season-opening weekend, I scored two goals and added two assists to earn Big 12 Freshman of the Week honors. I was playing lights-out, fearless and confident.

Maddie Algya

Just when I started thinking that nothing could go wrong, the sixth game of the season versus Nebraska came around. I tore my ACL within the first five minutes of the game. In the blink of an eye, my season was over. I was devasted. I had never been injured before, so I had no idea what was coming. I had surgery a few weeks later and decided there was no more pity parties to be had, it was time to get to work. I worked my butt off in rehab with our trainer, Kristen Bartiss, and supported my team every step of the way. I strived to be the best in rehab every day, no matter what the task was. I recovered fully, and 10 months later I stepped back on the field for my redshirt freshman season, more prepared than ever.

Maddie Algya

In 2019, I made 15 starts, logging 1,118 minutes. I began preseason full-throttle and was ready for a comeback year. Every chance I got, I was determined to outwork my opponent, and that is what I did. However, the road began to get a bit bumpy. My knee, which I had previously had ACL surgery on just 10 months earlier, was beginning to buckle at random times. I was able to get back up and play, but the feeling was one I still cannot even describe. I managed to put the uncertainty out of my mind and to remember how grateful I was to even be playing. As the season progressed, my knee started to get worse and worse, but I played through it.

Maddie Algya

We decided that once the season ended, I would go back in for a scope to see what was actually going on. A few days later, I got the news that I was not expecting at all. My ACL had been tearing more and more every single game and was now hanging on by only a few threads. I could not believe what I had just heard. How was this possible? Were they 100 percent sure? I had never done anything wrong during this entire process, why was this happening? I was mad, sad, every emotion you could think of. The doctor told me I had a decision to make. Either manage what I have left of an ACL or get the surgery again.

After many talks with my parents, coaches, doctors and friends, I decided to get the surgery one more time. I was to get the second surgery in January and be back just in time for the 2020 season. I knew exactly what was coming. I had done this before, so I can do this, I told myself over and over again. I came to practice and rehab with a positive attitude every day, encouraging and supporting my teammates. I wanted to show everyone I had what it took to do this thing again, to show them what tough mentality, dedication and confidence looked like. As I was rehabbing back that spring, my coaches and teammates nominated me to be a part of the leadership/captain group of the team. I was so honored that my peers saw me as a leader of this team.

Maddie Algya

When the spring was cut short due to COVID-19, I knew the road to come would be tough. With only being three months post-op, there was still a lot of ground to make up before we came back in July. I was able to do physical therapy in Dallas while I was home, work out, and prepare for the next school year. I checked in with Kristen almost daily, keeping her updated with my progress. When July rolled back around, I was ready to go. I received my full clearance from my doctor on Aug. 1 and was back at it again! It is now September, and we have our first game this Friday, Sept. 11, and I will be able to play. Bring it on!!

I know the road has never been perfect, and it never will be. I have grown in so many ways. And if these obstacles had never happened, I would be a completely different person today. I have learned the true meaning of resiliency and mental toughness. Nothing is ever too hard to give up. And if you are given a second chance, you better take it and give everything you have. Thank you, Baylor Soccer, I cannot wait to see what the next three years will hold!

Maddie Algya