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4/2/2005 The diagnosis was nothing to smile about at all; Tests revealed she’d torn her ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament). In fact, it was completely ruptured. She’d also suffered minor damage to her meniscus. As sports fans, we hear these terms tossed around a lot, but most don’t understand their significance. The ACL is a ligament that connects the tibia to the femur. It serves to prevent the tibia (leg) from moving forward relative to the femur (thigh). The meniscus is basically shock-absorbing cartilage in the middle of the knee. An injury like this causes extreme sharp pain and significant swelling. The road to recovery can be tedious, time consuming, and grueling. This type of injury is prevalent in sports that involve pivoting; like soccer, basketball and skiing. But an injury like this can also damage an athlete’s confidence and will to compete. Not Jessica Barndt… As a member of the nationally ranked Michigan Hawks, the Soccer Varsity letterman went right to work and embarked on an intensive 6-month program designed to get her back on the field. For the first couple of months, she engaged in aggressive physical therapy, multiple times per week. In addition, she worked out at home as well, every single day. Her single-minded purpose paid off and within 3 months she was back lifting weights, running, and partaking in elliptical training. As she neared 100% readiness, she dedicated herself to specific core/strength training techniques as well, building her body and related support mechanisms so as to fully regain all of her faculties. As mid-March rolled around, the Doctor gave her the green light as she demonstrated range of motion, power, and endurance, signifying she’d fully recovered. Jessica Barndt is now ready to help her Novi Wildcat Soccer team toward another successful season as they most assuredly will be favorites to win the KVC. A sports injury is a serious matter. In addition to the physical challenges, the pain, and the debilitating effect, it’s not uncommon for an athlete to grieve. In fact it’s normal. When the body can’t do what the mind wishes it could, it can cause emotional trauma to even the most seasoned, well-grounded performers. Jessica Barndt displayed the heart of a champion, as she was a fixture at sporting events fashioning crutches, and cheering for her teammates. Even though she is only a sophomore, she’s already stared down one of the toughest opponents an athlete will ever face; the inevitable doubt and fear that results when the body falters due to injury. But she responded the way champions respond. Knock them down, and they get right up and they get back into the battle. Kudos to her for the guts and diligence it took to stay focused on her goal Welcome back Jessica… Your teammates are smiling. (c) 2005 Novi
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