Unfortunately, we received the news we feared the most; she has both a torn MCL and ACL. She will require two separate surgeries; they will first repair her MCL tomorrow morning and then 6 weeks later perform an ACL reconstruction. Needless to say, she is angry, scared and utterly devastated. Other than birth and death, I cannot think of a situation where one could go from the highest of highs, achieving and living out one's dream, only to have it taken from you in an instant. Her mom, siblings and I have never felt such sorrow for one of our own until now.
She needs all the physical, spiritual and emotional support she can get right now and we feel blessed that she is at such a uniquely special place as Pepperdine. The amount of support she and we have received already from parents, players and the coaching staff has been incredible.
Medically, she is under the absolute best care possible as Dr. Mandelbaum is the team physician for the L.A. Galaxy and U.S. Men's National soccer teams. He has assured Devyn that he can and will fully repair her knee, that she will make it back onto the field next season and that she will be even stronger than before.
The last few days have been like a bad dream that you just want to wake up and get out of. Unfortunately, this is our new reality. I don't wish this on any player or their parents. It hurts so badly to see your kid go through something like this. Even more so when you can't do anything to help her (as we as parents are typically quick to do). It won't be easy but between our faith in God, support from her teammates and coaches coupled with Devyn's determination to get back on the field, I know she'll make it back on the pitch better than ever.
If you do one thing tonight, text or hug your DD and let them know that you are proud of them as young women and that you love them. As a parent, soccer doesn't seem like such a big deal anymore when something like this happens.