Reign FC midfielder Jess Fishlock is already on the road to recovery following surgery on Monday, July 8 to repair the torn ACL she suffered in a 2-0 win over Utah Royals FC on June 28. Fishlock began physical therapy earlier this week and is on track to return for the start of next season.

Fishlock said she’s grateful to be able to start actively working on her recovery.

“I think that’s the most important part for me physically and mentally, to be able to do PT,” Fishlock said. “I got some work to do, some exercises. As low level and as basic as they are, they are definitely a step forward and I think athletes always want to get into that first phase of rehabilitation. I hit that today and I feel so much better already.”

The midfielder, who scored three goals and recorded an assist in five appearances for Reign FC in 2019, said the outpouring of support she received from all corners of the soccer community was a big comfort after her injury.

“I think at the time it was a little bit overwhelming, honestly,” Fishlock said. “Trying to deal with the reality of the injury, but on the flipside, I’ve had so many people reach out to me to send me support. I didn’t expect that from everywhere. Other coaches and players from around the league. Obviously, players from the club, too. It was a little bit overwhelming, but I’m truly touched by it. It really is special.”

Fishlock knows it won’t be an easy path back to full health, but is ready to embrace the challenge and looks forward to the milestones that lay ahead.

“I think I just have to take each little thing as it comes,” Fishlock said. “It’s not that easy for me to do, but it’s something that I’ll have to do. I think this whole process will test me, but as a person, too, it’s going to make me a lot better. I’m really interested in giving it a go not just as an athlete, but as a person as well.”