Amanda Porterfield '24 Recruiting Profile

In November 2020, I was in a collision that resulted in tearing my ACL, PCL, MCL, and medial & lateral meniscus in my left knee, along with a significant bone bruise. In the year following my injury, I underwent two surgeries and an intense rehab process that involved hundreds of hours of physical therapy and "return to sport" training. My rehab and recovery process became my full-time job (in addition to my education) and I dedicated myself to the goal of coming back even stronger than I was before. I continued to participate with my team in every way possible, and as soon as I was physically permitted, I spent everyday training and doing whatever I could to be able to play again. 

Despite the extreme amount of physical pain and mental anguish that I endured, I am grateful for my rehab journey. The life lessons and growth opportunities that I gained from overcoming this traumatic injury, have changed me in ways that will benefit me throughout my life. My injury and subsequent recovery not only strengthened me physically but also afforded me the time to achieve better confidence and a complete mindset shift. The year I spent supporting my team while unable to play, helped me appreciate the value I can add even while off the field.

I have now returned to fully participating in playing softball and continue to train vigorously to maintain and increase my strength. I will graduate from high school in 2023, and I have decided to take a gap year (during which I will continue to play and train at a high level). I will enter college as a Freshman in 2024. It is my goal to continue playing softball at the collegiate level. I intend to study Kinesiology as a major and am also interested in Entrepreneurship and Nutrition. It is most important to me to always be learning and being challenged.