By Mark Ambrogi
Christine Bierman has longed dreamed of playing varsity soccer for Zionsville High School.
It took suffering though six knee surgeries, but it finally happened for her this fall.
“It’s been kind of an emotional roller coaster,” the senior said. “It’s made me who I am today. It’s not the prettiest of all things to talk about. It has made me stronger and really showed me the true value of life. Being back on the field is something that I can’t even put into words. It shows what I’ve worked through is really paying off.”
Bierman, a forward, was named the offensive player of the year for the junior varsity squad as a freshman.
Then in December of 2011, she tore the ACL in her left knee. She had a staph infection and had two more surgeries and then one more surgery to take out the staple. Bierman tore the same left ACL in the first scrimmage of her sophomore season in August 2012.
Then playing in a preseason showcase for her club team in July 2013, Bierman tore the ACL in her right knee and wasn’t able to play again until this high school season.
“She’s been through three consecutive years of physical therapy,” her mother Sandi Bierman said. “Here’s a girl who all she wants to do is play soccer. She wears a brace. She hates it but that’s the only way she can play in the game she loves.”
Bierman, whose goal is still to play college soccer, said playing again makes all the pain worthwhile.
“It’s worth the tears and the emotional breakdowns and all the sacrifices I made for this sport,” she said. “I couldn’t have done it without all the people in my life whether it be my friends, all my family, doctor, physical therapist and coaches.”
Zionsville girls soccer coach Ramon Aguillon said Bierman appreciates what Bierman has gone through to rehab and play.
“To be able to come back not only once, twice but three times from a major surgery shows the determination she has and how much love of the game she really has. For us to be able to finally have her on the field is a tremendous experience.”
