▶ Niskayuna soccer player Olivia Piraino thriving in return from torn ACL.
Olivia Piraino is a junior striker for the Niskayuna girls’ soccer team.
Named as a Times Union largeschool first-team all-star as a freshman when she scored 19 goals, Piraino had her 2017 season cut short after five games because of a season-ending injury when she tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee.
This season, Piraino has tallied six goals and three assists for the Silver Warriors. Niskayuna (6-2-1 overall, 6-2 Suburban Council) returns to action Tuesday with a road game at Averill Park (7-1-2, 7-1-2).
Q: We’re pretty much at the halfway point of the regular season, so how do you feel the team is doing so far?
a: I think in the beginning of the season, we were getting used to each other. I think we are getting used to each other now and we’re playing pretty well.
Q: How difficult was it for you to deal with the injury last year?
a: It was really difficult because I always want to play. I was glad that I took off the time that I did. Now that I am back, it is awesome.
Q: Athletes returning from injury are rarely patient. They always want to get back out there competing as soon as possible. Did dealing with such a serious injury teach you patience regarding the rehabilitation process?
a: It was all difficult. At the six-month mark, (doctors) said I was cleared to play. I was so excited to get back, but I knew that I wasn’t strong enough to be at full strength yet. They gave me this brace. I hated it. I finally got back to normal and play without it now.
Q: What was the hardest part for you: dealing with the pain, the frustration of not playing or the rehab work itself?
a: I think the hardest part was telling myself I can’t play yet. It was just hard to realize that I couldn’t play yet. Obviously, the work getting back was really hard. Anything that I did, even running, made me so happy.
Q: I am always curious to know, no matter the level of athlete, if there is an extra level of appreciation returning to the sport you love following a serious injury?
a: Oh, yes, there is. Soccer is so big for me. I feel like I have achieved a lot to get back to playing again.
Q: Do you feel like you are all the way back or are still working toward that?
a: At the beginning of the season, I thought I was all the way back. Now that I have played half the season, I realize I have improved a lot since the beginning. I feel like now I am pretty much all the way back.
Q: You enjoyed a tremendous freshman year, followed by a sophomore season that was cut short. Is there more of a leadership role now for you?
a: I feel like I am a part of the team, but we all work together and everyone is a big part of the team.
Q: The production level means a great deal, but are you speaking up more?
a: Yes, I do. I am a little older now. When I was a ninth-grader, I felt other people should have their say. Now that I am an 11th-grader, I feel it is OK to speak up along with the other juniors and seniors.
Q: Give people a perspective of what it is like to play in such a highly-competitive league as the Suburban Council?
a: Playing in the league is so much fun because you never know what the outcomes of the games will be. Every game is so exciting to play because you never know if you are going to win or lose.
Q: Soccer is a sport you want to continue to play in college, correct? a: Yeah, definitely.
Q: What is it like to play for coach Bryce Colby?
a: It is awesome. He is really a great coach. Q: As much as you were frustrated about 2017, I imagine he felt horrible for you being sidelined?
a: Yes, he did.
Q: How supportive was he for all you were dealing with?
a: He was really supportive, and the entire team was too.
Q: We’re about to enter the second half of the regular-season schedule. The Class A A ranks appear to be wide open with several contenders, so do you believe Niskayuna can make another title push?
a: Oh, definitely. Our team at the beginning of the season was pretty good, but I feel like we’re working much better together now. We’re getting the outcomes we want.
Q: When you are not playing soccer, what do you do with your free time?
a: I like to get my schoolwork done, obviously, and hang out with my friends.
Q: Your parents must be happy about the schoolwork part?
a: Yes.
Q: Sitting and watching your teammates compete in the playoffs last fall had to be excruciating, wasn’t it?
a: I always remember the sectional final game against Shen and how difficult it was to stay and watch.
Q: Getting back to the final this season will be a far more enjoyable scenario for you, for sure?
a: Yes, it would.