Like many 16-year-olds, Mallory Retherford is a competitive athlete. And not even a serious injury this past summer could slow down the varsity letterman in soccer, cross country, basketball and track. Mallory tore her ACL Sunday afternoon, July 17, while playing soccer for Unioto High School. She had an MRI the next day, saw Dr. Brian Cohen of Adena’s orthopaedic team on Wednesday and by Friday had surgery to repair the damage. “Dr. Cohen made me feel good and confident that everything was going to be OK,” said the young athlete. Mallory’s surgery was a success and she began rehab a week later. Over the next four months she worked with physical therapists at the Adena Rehabilitation and Wellness Center to regain her mobility and strength. “The staff pushed me to do my best and motivated me tremendously,” she said, praising the efforts of Greg Tracey, PT, Nate Strawser, PTA and Brandi Scott, PTA. The first week of November, just weeks before the start of basketball season, she heard the news she had been hoping for. Dr. Cohen said she could resume normal activities, including sports! “Recovery from ACL surgery typically takes anywhere from six to 12 months, but this resilient teen made her recovery in just four months,” said Strawser. “I’ve never seen anyone bounce back that quickly,” he said. Although she was in terrific physical shape, he said, “her work ethic and dedication helped in her speedy recovery.” “I am more than excited to get back to playing! It is such a relief to be myself again and be with my teammates,” said Mallory. Even when she was not playing, she was cheering on her teammates during practices and games – in all four sports. Looking back, “The Adena staff was great,” the young athlete said with a smile. Mallory is living proof that a torn ACL need only be a temporary setback.