BU’s Goal Scorer Fights Back After Season Ending Injury

“I wanted to prove to people that I could come back stronger than ever… prove that I would come back better then I was.” -Christina Wakefield

One wrong step, one awkward pivot, and her 2016 season came to an abrupt end. For Christina Wakefield, what she had worked relentlessly for the past two years started crumbling underneath her.

The Western Mass. native suffered a season ending injury that many soccer players have unfortunately suffered before her- a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and meniscus. Wakefield got reconstructive surgery on her knee only weeks later, to then fight through a year-long recovery, with her main goal to make it back for her senior season.

“Right when I tore my ACL, my goal was to come back stronger than ever for preseason and kill my senior year,” said Wakefield. “It’s my last chance.”

So far, she has exceeded her expectations. The right-footed forward has scored a team high of four goals, notched one assist, and has started all 13 games.

Fans might be wondering how Wakefield went from fighting to run again, to being the top goal scorer the next year- the team’s athletic trainer, Nick Pfeifer, said it came as no surprise.

“I think her success this season is directly attributed to her unbelievable will and hunger for more. Christina was heartbroken last season when she was unable to continue participating and doing what she loved with the people she loved,” said Pfeifer. “I've had the privilege to watch her play for the last three years and I see her move with more conviction and decisiveness this year than ever before. I correlate that to someone being so mentally resilient to not let anything come between her and her goals. She is very strong, which has helped her immensely, but I think her mindset has been her greatest benefit.

Pfeifer explained that coming back from a year long recovery is no easy feat, but Wakefield was ready for the challenge.

“It is very hard for someone to come back from such a serious injury like this. To come back and carry yourself with the confidence and swagger on the field like Christina has this season thus far is unprecedented,” said Pfeifer. “She has really been the pulse and consistent force for this offense this season. Whether it is in games holding up opponents for the attack to build, or in practice working with the same work rate she does in games, anyone can clearly see someone who is working towards a greater goal every day.”

Wakefield gives credit to Pfeifer for her chance to return to play because of his ability to push her through the toughest parts of recovery.

“The hardest part was the mental aspect of me thinking I’d actually play again in a contact environment. I had to tell myself that I could do it, without my knee hurting and being scared that I would retear it,” Wakefield said. “Nick (Pfeifer) convinced me I could do it.”

Classmate and fellow leader, Jessica Shreck, believes that Wakefield’s ability to step into a key role this season for the Terriers, especially after being out for over 12-months, is inspiring for younger players.

“Tina has really been stepping into a large role this season as our target forward. She has been so dynamic and has led the forward line’s attack and defense,” said Shreck. “She plays to her strengths and steps up in crucial moments when we need her.”

Shreck, who is second on the team in points, with two goals and four assists, says that Wakefield’s positive energy is contagious and spreads whenever she is around the team.

Wakefield has been a critical player for the Terriers, with her sights set to win back the Patriot League Championship.

“We are nearing the last couple games of our regular season and we’re going in strong. We have the mentality of wanting to win,” explained Wakefield. “We have the confidence and players stepping up. It’s there for us to take. We want to redeem the trophy back again.”

The team fell short of the title last season, losing to Bucknell in a hard fought double-overtime loss. The senior class has had a goal since the beginning of season to make it back to the championship game.

For Wakefield, the opportunity to take in and appreciate every second of every game that's left is most important. She wants to prove that fighting to come back from an injury her last season was worth it... What would be the icing on the cake? A spot in the NCAA tournament.

The Terriers will continue their journey to finish out the regular season this weekend against Navy in Annapolis.

Follow the action here .