Back in September last year, the University of Portland’s women’s soccer team was dealt a double blow when two of their top players suffered left knee ACL tears. It wasn’t just a tough break for the school and their fans but for the Rapinoe family too as it was twin sisters Rachael (left) and Megan (right and bottom right) that suffered the nightmare injuries.
First, it was Rachael, who had been firing on all cylinders with 4 goals in 4 games and had declared herself feeling, “the fittest and strongest I’ve ever been,” who broke down. Then, a week later, All-American junior Megan, who had red-shirted her first year at Portland to play for the U.S. in the 2004 U19s FIFA World Championships and was making inroads into the senior set-up suffered the same injury in practice — for the second time in less than a year.
Both players are great role models in that they are making good progress on the long road to recovery, supporting each other and displaying admirable determination to get back on the field for the Pilots, together. FG just had to find out more:
You are six months into your rehab, how is it going?
R - Slowly but surely my rehab is coming along. I knew this would be a long, difficult process but until one experiences it, it’s never as it seems. I’ve had a couple delays; however it won’t set me back in the big picture.
M - So far my rehab is going better than I would have dreamed. I think going through this rehab before, and learning all the lessons the hard way (mostly because I am stubborn) has really allowed this recovery to go so well. I am taking this one very slow and methodical, but overall I really do feel great.
What did you say to your sister when you heard the news about the severity of her injury?
R - I wasn’t surprised about Megan tearing her ACL again, she had endured some problems prior to re-injuring that left me with feelings she may tear it again. Obviously though, it’s something I never wanted to hear, and it was incredibly sad to know she had to do the whole process over again.
M - I think my first words were actually, “Are you (expletive) kidding me?” Then of course it was, “I am so sorry,” and that no matter what she always had my support. I just tried to be there for her, not as a person who has gone through it before, but just as her sister.
Sisters/Twins are usually competitive as well as supportive. Have you been competitive about everything to do with your injury, ranging from your operations to your work in rehab?
R - This is the one aspect of our lives where we haven’t been competitive with each other. Rehabilitation and recovery are so individually based, that it would only hurt us to compete with each other. Besides, she’s three weeks behind me, and not to mention going through her second ACL, so competing was out of the question. However, once we’re both back on the field, it’s a completely different story.
M - Funny you ask ... We try really hard not to be! Ha ha, I am kidding. Our competitiveness about our injuries is more in good fun than seriousness. But I do have to say that having someone who is about the same recovery time as you does push you, and make you better. It’s almost like having someone to actually do rehab with, which is very hard to find. It has been amazing having her there with me through all this.
It’s a really sad coincidence that you were both struck down with ACL injuries within such a short space of time — you have not had much luck with playing on the same team together for nearly four years now — is it making you more determined to get back for the 2008 season?
R - Without a doubt the 2008 season holds a lot of meaning to Megan and me. We’re hungry to play together and show not only the nation, but our team as well what we can do on the field together.
M - There is no question that that is a very strong motivating factor. I love playing with Rach, and I think that we have something special on the field, but unfortunately nobody in a long time has been able to see that. We are both working so hard to get back out there together, and hopefully we can ‘surprise attack’ some teams with our special twin ESP abilities!
What thought or goal helps you get through rehab when you are feeling down?
R - There are extreme ups and downs when going through rehab, however I’m constantly reminding myself that what I do now will affect my entire life. It’s not just about having a healthy knee for next season, but for the rest of my life.
M - Scoring goals, celebrating a win with my team mates, just running for that matter, all motivate me when I’m having a terribly boring rehab day. Playing this beautiful game is such a blessing and is so simply fun, how could it not motivate me?
What advice would you give to fellow ACL injury sufferers?
R - You can’t speed up the healing process, so take it slow. Listen to your body, and especially your gut. Deep down you know if you should be doing something or not, only you can make that decision. Also, since the journey is so long, take some time to learn more about yourself as a human being, not just as an athlete.
M - Be patient! You cannot be patient enough with your mind and your body. It’s a long, demanding (emotionally and physically) process that really does make you better when it’s done. Stay positive with yourself and don’t give up.
Will we see Portland back up there fighting for the College Cup title again this Fall?
R - Portland’s never gone anywhere. We’re always up there fighting for a national title, but yes hopefully with the re-emergence of Megan and myself we can take home the 2008 Division I Women’s NCAA Championship trophy.
M - Of course you will! I think anything less than getting back to the peak would be disappointing for our team, and for me especially. I think that would be a fitting end to a long recovery process.