For many athletes, injuries are a part of the game. While some are forced to move on, others use setbacks as motivation to return stronger. For Ilyana Graciani, a junior soccer player at Newberry High School, getting back on the field after multiple surgeries and countless hours of rehabilitation is a dream come true.
"I love the game of soccer too much to have given up, it just wasn't in my DNA," Graciani said. "The field is where I feel the most comfortable, and being out there competing with my teammates is the best feeling in the world."
Graciani tore her ACL, meniscus, and PCL during her sophomore season, causing her to miss the entire year. She underwent multiple surgeries performed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ryan Roach, and after months of physical therapy, she was able to return to play — something many thought would never happen.
"It was such an amazing feeling to be out there again and know that all the hard work of rehab and PT paid off," Graciani said. "There were so many people that helped me get back to playing, and I wanted to do it for them and my parents, who put so much time, effort, and money into helping me get better and to be able to play."
Her return to the field has been nothing short of impressive. Graciani's performance earned her the UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Athlete of the Week award. Under her leadership, the Newberry Panthers have seen a 20% increase in wins from the previous season and Graciani and her defensive teammates limited opponents to just 28 goals in 21 games this year.
"It was an awesome year, and I'm so happy to have been able to come back and be with this group of girls," Graciani said. "Not only are they awesome teammates, but they are friends that I've grown up with here in Newberry. Coach Arnold did a great job with us this year, she's so great to play for."
Graciani hopes to continue playing soccer beyond high school, but she is also open to whatever the future holds. In the meantime, she plans to return to travel soccer with GSA, approaching the game with the same fearless mentality she had before her injury.
"I'm not worried at all about an injury happening again; you can't play that way," she said. "I'm grateful to be out there and to all the people that helped me get there. Thank you."
Each weekly winner of the UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Athlete of the Week is eligible for a $2,500 scholarship at the end of the season. The UF Health High School Athlete of the Year will be named at the conclusion of the 2024-2025 academic year.