Starpoint's Casero battles back from injury

by Matthew Ondesko: Managing Editor

It’s never easy coming back from injury, especially a major one. But, that’s what Starpoint High School sophomore soccer player Avery Casero had to deal with.

After only appearing in one game her freshman season, Casero knew she had a long road back. Dealing with a major injury just isn’t physical, but mental, as well. The long hours of rehab can take a toll on anyone.

With the injury Casero lost that confidence she once had. She needed time to find it and get back to being the player she once was. It took time and it wasn’t until she found the back of the net that she felt she was already back.

“Due to my injury I suffered with a huge confidence loss in myself, I found the back of the net this season and was able to receive some assists,” stated Casero. “I have always struggled with confidence and am continuing to work on believing in myself. As I was able to start these games I knew I needed to continue to work hard because I knew my spot could be taken if I didn’t. I learned to continue to be productive and always find a way to get into the play.”

Believing in herself has gone a long way toward this season, a historic one for Starpoint as they went 19-0 during the regular season. She was one of the big reasons why Starpoint had the year they had.

After what happen last year, Casero was never going to take this season for grant it, especially after her injury. She overcame a lot to get to where she was today. Standing there with her teammates celebrating win after win.

She couldn’t have done it without the support from those same teammates. Those same girls that were there they day she went down with the ACL to now. They were always there rooting her on, waiting for her to her back and help them out.

“My season this year was one I will never take for granted, I was just coming back from an ACL injury,” stated Casero. “It took a lot to overcome but I had a ton of support and was able to come back stronger. I look up to many of the older players being one of the youngest on the team. I am always looking to learn new things from the older players.”

Casero also is a team player. There were times she would be playing up top or playing on the back end. Whatever the coaching staff needed here to do she would do. Casero just wanted to get back on the field and help the team anyway possible.

It’s a trait not often found in younger players. Sometimes they want to play the positions they were used to playing. Casero wants to stay versatile though. She wants to learn all the positions on the pitch so she can help the team anyway she can.

“I know that forward and defense are totally different, but I'm willing to play wherever the coaches need me,” stated Casero. “I just want to be on the field and contribute. I try to stay versatile and learn the responsibilities of each position, so I can step in wherever needed.”

It also allows her to grow into the leader she wants to be. This is a big offseason for Casero as she looks to take the next step in her soccer career. Coming off her injury, Casero will make sure she continues to work on her agility and physical strength.

She also wants to grow into a leader, and help those younger teammates the same way the upperclassmen have helped her over the first couple of years of her high school career.

“As I go into the offseason I want to elevate my play. Physically, I want to concentrate on improving my speed and agility.,” stated Casero. “Technically, I plan to spend a lot of time honing my ball control and passing accuracy. But it's not just about the physical and technical aspects. I also want to grow as a leader. I plan to study successful leaders in sports and other fields to learn from their experiences. I want to improve my communication skills, so I can better motivate and inspire my teammates.”