Xavier’s Josie Fuhrman battling back

CEDAR RAPIDS - Xavier junior Josie Fuhrman and Coach Beth Samek have more in common than just a love for soccer.

Both suffered ACL injuries in high school and went from helpful assets to helpless spectators in a single play.

Fuhrman was forced to take the majority of last season off after suffering an unexpected knee injury.

'I would like Josie to come back strong without fear or hesitation and I would love to see her put up good offensive numbers with assists and goals,” Samek said before the season.

Fuhrman, who has one goal and one assist this season, knew she needed to work extremely hard to get back on the field. Regaining her strength was difficult, but relearning some basic soccer skills also was challenging.

'My recovery has been really good,” Furhman said before the season. 'I owe a lot to my physical therapists at Kepros Physical Therapy. I feel strong and confident that I will be more than ready to play this upcoming season.”

Samek understands how difficult it is to suffer an ACL tear. She suffered two during her high school career.

Both agree it was difficult standing on the sidelines unable to play with teammates.

'I can relate to her because I have had two ACL injuries, and sitting on the bench is hard,” Samek said. 'Josie remained dedicated to the team and came to many practices and all the games to support them when she was not able to play.”

Fuhrman was the starting outside midfielder on the Xavier soccer team as a sophomore. She was an effective player and was known for her speed and ball handling skills.

'When I got injured, it felt surreal,” Fuhrman said. 'Having to accept the fact that not only was my season over in an instant, but that I would be out of my activities for nine months after was really hard.”

The Saints (4-09) have won two in a row and host Waterloo West on Thursday.