Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Healing Up

The U.S. Women's National Team lost three key players during its run to the 2008 Olympics as Cat Whitehill and Leslie Osborne tore ACLs and Abby Wambach broke her leg. The WNT Blog is happy to report that all three are doing great and are on schedule -- or ahead of schedule -- in their comebacks.


Abby Wambach actually pulled on her cleats for the first time yesterday since breaking her leg and we were lucky enough to grab a pic (above). She is starting to kick a ball and do light running and is planning on being ready for the USA's training camp in late January. Abby has been at the USA's trainings during this camp and is looking great. Needless to say, she is chomping at the bit to get back into action. Pretty soon, we might have to tape her to the bench to keep her off the field.

Leslie Osborne, who took the opportunity to have reconstructive surgery on her knee and ankle after she tore her ACL is ahead of schedule as she has started playing a bit of soccer, without contact, but she is running, cutting and kicking. Due to the double surgeries, Osborne was predicted to be out 8-10 months, but may be back sooner. She came to the USA's training today and is also looking great.

Today was a big day for Cat Whitehill! She played pickup soccer for the first time and reports that she too is feeling great. She has been aggressive in her rehabilitation, but has set no time table for her return to action, so she's taking her time to make sure she is 100% healthy before diving into high level soccer again. She has also been working with a personal trainer, who has been "kicking my b--t."
All three on easily on pace to be at or close to 100% for the WPS season starting in April and the U.S. WNT looks forward to seeing them all back in a National Team uniform sometime in 2009.

11 comments:

Mike said...

Looking great Abby! Get back soon. You are fun to watch on the field.

Kylie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kylie said...

Dunno if my last post went through, my computer froze..
but this picture and post just made my day...!!!
Soooo glad to hear that everyone is doing really well with their rehab!
and seeing Abby in cleats again is just AWESOME!!
Can't wait for the three of em to suit up and step on the pitch again =]

northern-star said...

Fantastic news that the three players (especially Abby) are all doing fine. Looking forward to see them all running around on the field again.

mel said...

Great news Abby we were hoping to see you in Detroit. Will you be coming with the team?

Kat said...

Can't wait to see Abby & Cat play for the Washington Freedom. We got a good team! :D

MARDELLE said...

Always good news Abby, Leslie, and Cat are getting back to their game.!! :)

Emily(LOVES US SOCCER) said...

Yes!
so glad she's back!

Jelly said...

It looks like an early Christmas for the USWNT. The return of 4 amazing players is a great way to end the 2008 year. Fantastic.

Meegs said...

I am so excited about everyone's recovery process and returns from pregnancy. Welcome back Lil, Abby, Cat & Leslie. I am excited about seeing you all play again

Miles said...

FANTASTIC! We've gone far too long without seeing you guys in your US jerseys. Way to pull through, can't wait to see you back on the field again! <3