For Sara, what could have been a setback became a journey of resilience, guided by a knowledgeable and compassionate care team at Shriners Children's Erie that supported her every step of the way.
In 2022, Sara began experiencing persistent hip pain. As an advanced athlete playing both soccer and travel softball, she was used to the typical aches that come with competition. However, when the pain continued after weeks of physical therapy, her mother, Lisa, grew concerned. They pursued further evaluation, beginning with an X-ray followed by an MRI, which revealed an issue with Sara’s hip joint. The ball and socket did not fit together properly, causing the hip to slip in and out of place, resulting in a tear in the ring of cartilage around the hip joint.
After seeking a second opinion, Sara and her family made the difficult decision to move forward with surgery. The recovery timeline was estimated at 8 to 12 months. During the procedure, the surgeon reshaped the bone to create a more stable, rounded joint, repaired the cartilage tear and placed three screws in her hip to reinforce and support proper alignment.
Two weeks after surgery, Sara began physical therapy (PT) at Shriners Children’s Erie with Laurie Hudson, PT. Early therapy progressed slowly. “After surgery, she was limited in her weight-bearing and activities, so initial PT involved just getting her muscles going again and increasing her range of motion,” said Hudson. “We used a lot of gentle exercises and incorporated pool treatments for this.” Hudson guided her step by step, helping rebuild strength while protecting the healing joint.
Laurie was my rock during this hard time, and she always made sure I was in a good place to keep going.
Maintaining the right mindset is a critical part of recovery. Physical therapy not only helps athletes track their progress but also provides education about where they are in the recovery process. Therapists often incorporate meaningful activities that reinforce how each step contributes to the ultimate goal of returning to sport. “For an athlete with an injury, it can be difficult to hold back and not push too hard too soon,” said Hudson. “That can be very frustrating, and they often experience low points along the way.”
Over time, Sara progressed from these foundational exercises, rebuilding strength and stability before advancing to more demanding movements. Only after establishing that foundation could she begin working toward sport-specific skills for soccer. “Being ready to return to sport means demonstrating good strength, mobility and proper joint mechanics during sport activities to reduce the risk of reinjury,” said Hudson.
Having access to care close to home made it easier for Sara to stay consistent and committed throughout her recovery. “I didn’t know anything about Shriners Children’s Erie prior to Sara receiving physical therapy,” said Lisa. “It’s really great to have such high-quality services available right here in Erie.”
Once Hudson determined Sara was ready for sport-specific training, collaboration became a key part of her recovery. She worked closely with Sara’s parents and goalie coach to ensure a safe and effective return to soccer. By communicating details about Sara’s position and progress, Hudson provided guidance on proper joint positioning and motor control to help reduce the risk of future injury.
Therapy sessions focused on agility, lateral movement, weight-bearing and the quick reactions required for a goalkeeper. At the same time, her coach and family reinforced those techniques during practice. This team-based approach helped ensure consistency, accountability and follow-through, both in therapy and on the field.
When it came time to return to sports, Sara started with softball, marking a major milestone. After more than a year of recovery, she was finally back on the diamond. Soon after, she returned to soccer. “I was scared about reinjury, but the more I played, the more confident I became because I knew I was prepared,” she said. “I worked really hard to get where I am now.”
Her dedication paid off. Sara graduated from high school and technical school with a cosmetology certificate a semester early and was recruited to play Division I soccer at Western Carolina University. It was an incredible achievement after being away from her sport and recovering from a major procedure.
Sara’s return to the field reflects not only her determination, but also her ability to push through challenges along the way. Setbacks, including pain and flare-ups, tested her confidence and created moments of doubt. With ongoing support from Hudson and a commitment to staying focused, she worked through those obstacles and continued progressing.
At Shriners Children’s Erie, the focus goes beyond helping patients heal. Therapists take the time to understand each patient’s goals, building trust and confidence throughout the recovery process. That approach helped Sara move from uncertainty to competing at the highest level of her sport. Her experience highlights how Shriners Children’s Erie supports young athletes through recovery and back into competition with confidence.
Sara works closely with physical therapist Laurie Hudson, PT, to rebuild her confidence and return to playing soccer.
