By Kyle LoJacono
Wiregrass Ranch girl soccer player A.J. Blount set a program record by scoring 40 goals last season, but it seems unlikely she will be able to match that mark this year.
The junior forward, who is the reigning Sunshine Athletic Conference East Player of the Year, tore the ACL and meniscus in her right knee in early September during a club soccer game.
Despite the severity of the injury, Blount is determined to contribute with the Bulls this season as they work to outdo their 23-3-2 record and regional finals appearance from last season.
The Laker and the Lutz News recently talked with Blount about her knee, the Wiregrass Ranch team and her plans for the year.
Q: When did the injury happen and how?
A: It was Sept. 2 in a tournament. A girl came from behind me and my knee bent wrong. I’m out for a good couple of months, but I plan to come back stronger and better than I was before.
Q: Have you ever had an injury like that before, and did you know it was something that bad when it happened?
A: Never, and hopefully this is the last time something like this will happen because it really hurt. The minute it happened I knew it was bad. I was on the field and couldn’t get up. I just shook my head and was screaming.
Q: How difficult is dealing with the mental side of an injury like this?
A: I just try and stay positive and not let it control me. From the progress I’ve seen myself in rehab; I know I can get back. It’s just all mental. I kind of think of it more as a blessing now because I can watch a little soccer and take in what I see from the sidelines.
Q: Do you have a greater appreciation for soccer now that you have this kind of injury?
A: Definitely. I would work hard every day to get better, and now that I can’t do that I love it even more.
Q: Your team made regionals for the first time ever last year and was one win away from the state final four. What did that year mean to you?
A: It was awesome. To know that we did it all together as a team and to come so far from a team that had never even won a district tournament game.
Q: What are your expectations for this season?
A: My expectations are to not only get back into the game but get better, stronger and faster.
–All stats as recorded to Maxpreps.com by coaches.
