Mallory Swanson is back on the field, and the Chicago Red Stars forward has returned with a new appreciation for being able to play the sport she loves.
Swanson missed nearly a full year after suffering a torn patella tendon in April with the U.S. women’s national team, knocking her out of the 2023 World Cup.
The forward’s recovery was complicated by an infection that required a second surgery less than two weeks after her first operation.
After returning for Chicago’s preseason, Swanson was back on the field in the Red Stars’ 2024 opener on Saturday as her side defeated the Utah Royals 2-0.
Swanson played 80 minutes in the win, looking like she is on her way to regaining the form that saw her lead the USWNT in goals last year despite not playing a game after April.
Following the match in Utah, Swanson posted her gratitude for the moment on Instagram.
“After 343 days, 3 surgeries, and an infection that changed my whole perspective on life I realized many things,” she said. “Life is a beautiful blessing. Health is a blessing. This game that I love is a blessing. And at the end of it all I am more than thankful to be able to do what I love again.”
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