• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About Us
  • Videos
    • Featured Video
    • Foodie Friday
    • Monthly ReCap
  • Online E-Editions
    • This Week’s E-Editions
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
  • Social Media
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
  • Advertising
  • Local Jobs
  • Puzzles & Games
  • Circulation Request

The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

  • Home
  • News
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills/East Pasco
    • Business Digest
    • Senior Parks
    • Nature Notes
    • Featured Stories
    • Photos of the Week
    • Reasons To Smile
  • Sports
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills and East Pasco
    • Check This Out
  • Education
  • Pets/Wildlife
  • Health
    • Health Events
    • Health News
  • What’s Happening
  • Sponsored Content
    • Closer Look
  • Homes
  • Obits
  • Public Notices
    • Browse Notices
    • Place Notices

Driven by injury

November 30, 2011 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Opila and Bubley work back from major knee injuries

By Kyle LoJacono

When the Steinbrenner girls soccer team won the Class 4A state title last season, it helped light a competitive fire under two players watching from the sidelines.

Defender Lexy Bubley returns to Gaither after spending last season at Steinbrenner. The senior is fully recovered from a torn ACL suffered just before last year’s playoffs.

Marley Opila and Lexy Bubley had the unusual situation of accepting a state championship medal after not seeing the field during any of the playoffs.

Bubley, a defender, tore the ACL in her right knee just before the postseason began last year. Opila, a midfielder, suffered the same injury to her left knee a week before the first practice of the 2010-11 season.

“It was really hard watching and knowing I wasn’t a part of it,” Opila said. “It made me want to work harder so we can get another state title where I can actually help the team get it.”

Bubley added, “When you’re sitting on the bench watching everyone work to get better and you can tell they’re all having fun, that was the most difficult thing to watch. Just in practice wishing I could go run around with everyone. I felt so separate.”

Both players worked to get back strong for this season, and both said they are 100 percent healthy again. However, they will not be playing on the same field — except when Steinbrenner plays Gaither.

Opila is back with the Warriors, but Bubley is now suiting up with the Cowboys. Bubley attended Gaither during her freshman and sophomore years.

Steinbrenner junior midfielder Marley Opila said she is 100 percent healed from a torn ACL that prevented her from playing the entire 2010-11 season.

Cowboys coach Trevor Scott is more than happy to have Bubley’s physical defense back on Gaither’s backline.

“She hasn’t missed one conditioning session or anything during the summer,” Scott said. “She’s been the one person who has been out here every single day and never complains about the rain or the heat. You can tell she loves the game and missed playing. I’m just happy we can have someone that good and that dedicated.”

Bubley, who had two goals and three assists last season before the knee injury, said even those simple conditioning sessions were missed while she was sidelined.

“Once I didn’t have it I realized how much I missed it,” Bubley said. “I wanted to be running and doing those things to get better. Once the things over the summer started I just said I’m going to be there every day because I couldn’t for so long. Plus I had to get back in shape because I definitely wasn’t in good condition.”

Opila, who had 16 goals and 17 assists as a freshman, felt a similar loss when the game was taken from her.

“Soccer is my life,” Opila said. “When I tore my ACL it made me understand how important it is to me. I took it for granted. … I missed everything about it. The teammates, the getting better, college opportunities. I even missed conditioning and fitness. Before I hated fitness. That was the worse thing in the world, but once you tear you ACL and you’re not fit anymore it’s more challenging.”

Steinbrenner junior forward Alexis Bredeau could not be happier Opila is back on the field.

“Before she hurt her knee she was on my club team, so having a girl on your high school and club team you never stop seeing each other,” Bredeau said. “We were really connected throughout the time she did hurt her knee and to see her just try so hard to come back I know she’s going to be better than ever.”

First-year Warriors coach Robert Woodard is also excited to have a player like Opila.

“She likes to go forward and has a lot of skill,” Woodard said. “Watching her in tryouts I knew she was a very talented player. It’s nice to have a confident midfielder who can add to the attack.”

Bubley and Gaither will host Opila and Steinbrenner on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.

“The players here haven’t asked me yet for any information on how they do things there, but I’m sure it will come up,” Bubley said with a laugh. “I’m sure they will when the game gets closer.”

–All stats as recorded to Maxpreps.com by coaches.

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Email
  • Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Primary Sidebar

Search

Sponsored Content

6 Reasons to Consider Remodeling your Bathroom with CMK Construction

March 21, 2023 By Kelli Carmack

Have you wanted to remodel your bathroom for a while now, but need that little extra push to make your decision? Check … [Read More...] about 6 Reasons to Consider Remodeling your Bathroom with CMK Construction

Avalon Applauds African American Club of Pasco

March 7, 2023 By Kelli Carmack

One of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s main missions is being a champion for culture. “Celebrating culture is a vital … [Read More...] about Avalon Applauds African American Club of Pasco

More Posts from this Category

What’s Happening

03/22/2023 – Florida Landscaping

The New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, will host “Florida-Friendly Landscaping 101” on March 22 at 2 p.m. Participants can learn how to create a successful home landscape by following the nine Florida-Friendly program principles. Register online at PascoLibraries.org. … [Read More...] about 03/22/2023 – Florida Landscaping

03/23/2023 – Betmar Chorus

The Betmar Chorus will perform its annual Spring Concert on March 22 at 2 p.m., and on March 23 and March 24 at 7 p.m., at Betmar Acres, 37145 Lakewood Drive, Clubhouse 2, in Zephyrhills. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The choir will perform a variety of show tunes, hymns, spirituals and classics. Tickets will be available at the door for $5. For information, all 810-837-0520. … [Read More...] about 03/23/2023 – Betmar Chorus

03/23/2023 – Free Food Distribution

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Farm Share, Veteran’s Memorial Park, the Gentlemen’s Course, Samaritan Corporation of Pasco County Inc., and the Pasco County NAACP will team up for a free community food distribution on March 23 at Veterans Memorial Park, 14333 Hicks Road in Hudson. The food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis from 9 a.m., until the items run out. … [Read More...] about 03/23/2023 – Free Food Distribution

03/23/2023 – Paint with Puppies

B Creative Painting Studio, 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 103, in Wesley Chapel will host “Paint with Puppies” on March 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., in support of the Mercy Full Project. Guests can get creative and cuddle with puppies. Only 50 spots available. An RSVP and $5 deposit is required online at tinyurl.com/PaintWithPuppy. Balance will be due at the event. The total cost of $50 includes a dog bowl, paint, glaze and fire of the bowl. … [Read More...] about 03/23/2023 – Paint with Puppies

03/23/2023 – Puzzle Club

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host a Puzzle Club on March 23 at 4:45 p.m., for ages 18 and older. Bring some friends. Puzzles will be provided. For information, call 813-929-1214. … [Read More...] about 03/23/2023 – Puzzle Club

03/25/2023 – America is Awesome

Lucas, Macysyzn & Dyer, Injury Lawyers and the Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer Community Foundation will host an “America is Awesome Celebration” on March 25 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 9426 Little Road in New Port Richey. The event will include live music from 5 Shades of Grey and Southbound 75; fireworks; a DJ dance party, silent auction; raffles; 50/50; car show, food and drink; and more. All proceeds will benefit K9 for Partners and local law enforcement. General admission is free. VIP tickets are available. Donations for parking will be accepted. For information, visit America is Awesome Celebration on Facebook. … [Read More...] about 03/25/2023 – America is Awesome

More of What's Happening

Archives

 

 

Where to pick up The Laker and Lutz News

Copyright © 2023 Community News Publications Inc.

   
%d bloggers like this: