By Lance Jenkinson
From 18 months on the sidelines with an injury to tournament MVP of the national championships, Newport Ladies Lacrosse Club star Hayley Sofarnos has completed a remarkable turnaround.
Her playing career was put on hold after she sustained a serious knee injury.
It was the second time Sofarnos had injured her ACL, so she knew all about the tough road back she faced.
Unlike the first time she injured her knee, Sofarnos did not rush back and made sure it was 100 per cent ready before getting back into the heat of battle.
The extended time in rehabilitation worked a charm as she did not miss a beat in leading Victoria to a national title.
“I was unfortunately well versed on it and kind of knew what to expect,” Sofarnos said. “I also took the prescribed amount of time to recover.
“Last time, I think I returned in five months after the surgery. This time I gave myself a solid 18 months and that definitely made a difference.”
After a handful of games for Newport in the state league, Sofarnos was happy just to be part of the Victorian set-up again.
Never could she have imagined her play, so soon after a lengthy lay off, would translate into MVP form at the championships, played in Melbourne.
What’s more, the 28-year-old came through five games in as many days with no dramas, so she can move forward with confidence.
“It was a long 18 months – it felt like forever,” Sofarnos said. “I was just happy to be back out there to be honest. That was my first tournament back, so it was very surprising [to take out the MVP], but a nice surprise. I don’t notice the knee so much from a stability standpoint.”
The results at the nationals justified the decision not to rush back.
“It’s one thing to be injured and recovering from the injury, but you’ve obviously had an extended period out and you’ve got to get back to fitness, get back to form and all those things,” she said. “The fitness people, osteo and physios have done their jobs. Now I’m just having so much fun [being back on the field], I’m just like a kid again.”
Sofarnos played a significant role for Victoria.
She was vice-captain and key attacker in a quarter-back style role behind the net, setting up play for her teammates en route to a tournament high in assists.
“I kind of had the easy role of just throwing it into space and knowing that one of my teammates would catch it,” Sofarnos said.
“When you’re in a team of superstars like we were this year, it makes it a lot easier.”
Sofarnos scored two goals and had four assists in Victoria’s 16-5 win over South Australia in the championship game.
The grand final MVP award went to Footscray’s Sarah Mollison, who fired in four goals.
