‘Now I have bionic knees.’ Two ACL injuries don’t stop Joshua girls soccer star.
Graycen Rasmussen has placed her name in the record books for the Joshua girls soccer program. She has 32 goals this year, which is a program record for a single season.
Her four goals against Waco University on March 5 broke the previous record of 30 held by Joshua’s all-time leading scorer, Caylen Wright, in 2018.
Rasmussen also holds the single-game record with five goals.
“When I was a freshman, Caylen really took me under her wing and helped me thrive. She taught me so much about the game,” Rasmussen said. “Part of me wants her name to always be at the top of Joshua’s record books. Caylen is a great player and a great leader. We’re surrounded by some quality and unselfish players that set us up for success.”
Added Joshua coach Jeffrey Brooks, “I’m proud of what Graycen has been able to achieve this year and even prouder that she’s the kind of person who will be the first to tell you that it’s only awesome because it helps the team.”
Rasmussen looks to add to her record as the playoffs start Friday.
Joshua (11-3-7) will host Mesquite Poteet (7-13-2) at 5:30 p.m.
“Graycen is very determined both on and off the field,” said senior Reagan Easter, who has played with Rasmussen for 10 years. “She sets high standards for herself and wants to be nothing but the best. She will do anything and everything in order to get to the top.”
A Long Road Back
But it wasn’t all easy for Rasmussen.
She will tell you, it’s been a long journey with many tears and sleepless nights.
The junior forward/midfielder is on the field again after having ACL surgery on each knee the past two years. She tore her left ACL as a freshman and right ACL as a sophomore.
Rasmussen missed most of district and all of the playoffs during her freshman season. During a district game, she was cutting to the far post on a free kick attempt when a defender blindsided her.
As she hit the ground, Rasmussen could hear a snapping sound in her left knee.
“After six months of rehab, I made it back in time for club season in the fall. I worked harder than I ever had,” said Rasmussen, who plays for Sparta in club.
“Unfortunately this is part of women’s soccer, but it doesn’t make it any less devastating to her or any of the other myriad young ladies who have dealt with or are currently dealing with it,” Brooks added.
In her first soccer game back, she scored a hat trick.
Enter her sophomore year and Rasmussen was on track to break the school’s single-season record in goals and assists, but during a club showcase in Austin, she was once again taken out by a defender, this time tearing her right ACL. However, she didn’t miss the playoffs because it was canceled by COVID-19.
“I heard the same sickening pop. I just sat on the field with tears. I was devastated,” Rasmussen said. “I had just worked so hard to get back and not five months later, tore the other knee just as my work was paying off. I was crushed that night and kept telling my dad that I didn’t think it was torn.
“COVID was a blessing in some regard. The hardest thing about the first injury was going to every game and just sitting on the bench wanting to get out on the field. I had several emotional breakdowns on those trips. It was about the only good thing to come out of COVID.”
Added Easter, “It broke my heart knowing that she was unable to play the game she loves. I have seen just how much work she had put in to get back on the field from the first ACL and to see it get stripped away from her hurt.”
Stronger than Ever
Doctors told Rasmussen the rehab process would take nine to 12 months for both knees, but the Joshua scorer managed to get back in six.
“Graycen was so inspiring throughout the whole recovery. She never threw a pity party for herself or wanted anyone to feel bad for her. She just did what needed to be done,” Easter said. “She wouldn’t let anything keep her from getting back to the game as soon as possible.”
“It was much easier, mentally, because I knew the process, but it was still a grueling six months,” added Rasmussen. “Now I have bionic knees that are stronger than ever.”
Rasmussen has set two records this season and is close to setting a third ... most assists in a season.
She prides herself on finding her teammates.
“I have a team of 20 that helps me look good and a coach that puts me in the right spot, and without them, I never could have accomplished this. I want to give back and set my teammates up for the same success,” she said.
Added Easter, “Graycen is like a little sister to me so seeing her break the record brings a huge smile to my face and I’m beyond proud of her. I have seen her grow into the player she is now and it still blows me away to look back on how far she has come. I know she will continue to do great things and break any barrier that’s put in front of her both throughout her soccer career and her life.”
This story was originally published March 25, 2021 at 5:10 PM.
