By Bella Roppolo '25

Coming in as a freshman last year I was so excited to be starting in the first scrimmage of the year. However, in the opening moments of the game I ended up tearing my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and meniscus. 
 
Now, this wasn't the first time I had torn my ACL. My climb to make it to UMBC and be able to play Division I soccer had its previous obstacles. I had suffered through two ACL tears in high school. For those of you that may not know, recovering from an ACL tear requires a major knee operation and then twelve months of rehab. Having to go through that twice and be out of high school and club soccer for over two years was a challenge I had to accept and face head on. My journey to get to this point has not been, as one can say, "easy." There have been many ups and downs, beginning from the first time I tore my ACL in 2017. Then, I came back to the sport after a painful year of physical therapy, only to tear it again in 2018. After overcoming all of the obstacles, and over twenty-four months of grueling rehab I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to commit to UMBC and become a Retriever. 
 
Having to go through the whole process over for the third time was scary, but I knew as I sat down on that operating table that I had what it took to get through it. Especially with the support from everyone here at UMBC. This ACL journey has certainly been a tricky one. I had many complications with major nerves in my back, had to go under the knife once again for a knee-scope, and then once more this school year to have another knee operation, adding up to be my fifth total knee surgery. 
 
One of UMBC's amazing physical therapists Rob Rowland, DPT, had a few things to say about my recovery process, "Plateaus and setbacks are very common during a long rehab like after an ACL reconstruction. The path back to competing in a sport is never linear and is more of a roller coaster ride with many ups and downs. Bella's recovery has been like a roller coaster where the kid working it won't let her get off the ride. Through no fault of her own Bella has had setback after setback. Despite this, she has never let that stop her from pushing every time she comes to rehab. She has never used a bad day as an excuse to skip rehab or a workout. Bella is also a positive influence on every person she crosses paths across in the training room. She has a growth mindset that is not only beneficial for how she approaches rehab and training but will also lead her to success in wherever her future takes her. I can't wait until next fall when we get to see Bella show us what she can do back on the pitch." 
 
"Upon my arrival, I learned about Bella's trials and tribulations with her knee injuries that have kept her away from playing for a few years," stated our new head coach Rick Stainton.  "I immediately became drawn to her upbeat personality and work ethic.  You would have never guessed all she has encountered and persevered through.  She has never complained, nor blamed.  She has put her head down and been going step by step with the process.  In doing so, her progress has been productive and beneficial.  Her efforts have earned her the opportunity to step back on the field of competition for the first time in a very long time.  It was visibly filled with nerves and anticipation. But in Bella fashion, she hid it with a big old smile.  When she stepped on the field last Friday night vs. the Mount, her presence was felt.  She connected a few early passes and it looked as if the nerves went away.  Her defensive efforts also earned her a turnover and assist on a great goal.  We look forward to her continued growth, progress and contributions she will have on our team!"  
 
For me, getting through all of this has been about having grit. Having grit requires perseverance and resilience in order to reach your goals. As I am still in the process of returning to the field for the Retrievers, I am constantly reminding myself of having grit. True grit, to be exact. 

To my teammates, trainers, physical therapists, coaches, family, and friends who never doubted me for a second. Those who have supported me through all five surgeries, or just have been in my life for only one. Even the people who didn't think I could come back from just two ACL reconstructions have inspired me. To the little girl who fell in love with having the ball at her feet. To the university that took a chance on a kid with two ACL tears. This comeback is not only for me, but for each and every one of you. I'm excited to share my story, even if it is not the version that I expected prior to starting at UMBC. I'm hoping my story can inspire others who are going through difficult times.
 
As I am making leaps and bounds in my progress to return to play, I am so deeply excited to be able to put on my jersey once again for the Retrievers and step out on the field. I would not be anywhere near where I am today without UMBC's amazing commitment to athlete health, mental health, and the amazing people and facilities surrounding me. 

Coming from UMBC, a Cinderella story isn't quite out of the ordinary, so, why can't Cinderella put back on her glass slippers and return to the ball? 

Go Dawgs.