Eilbacher’s perseverance paying off for Notre Dame
Senior has returned to the field after two ACL injuries
HAMILTON >> Amelia Eilbacher is one of the most skilled lacrosse players around, yet her skills pale in comparison to her many other amazing qualities.
Her story doesn’t start with goals, assists or wins.
No, it begins with battling through a pair of anterior cruciate ligament tears, one in each knee, throughout her four years at Notre Dame.
The dedication, commitment, determination, courage and hard work Eilbacher has displayed in making a triumphant return to the field is nothing short of amazing.
After playing only parts of her first three years, the senior loves being back on the field.
“Missing a year and a half and coming back and playing with these coaches, who have been with me through everything and to be back and have a full season is so special especially to share it with these girls,” Eilbacher said after the Irish took a 16-5 win over Steinert on Wednesday.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” added Eilbacher, of her senior season with her teammates. “It was tough mentally, but coming back was because of all the family support, my coaches and my teammates that were with me every step of the way is how I got back, honestly it feels great to be back and I love playing.”
Coach Bryan Fisher is so glad to see her back on the field.
“What a story,” said Fisher. “Two ACL injuries and she comes out here with a smile and gives maximum effort. I admire her resilience and her passion to play at the highest level and her passion for her teammates. She never quits, there are a lot of people that would’ve said I can’t do it and she always says I can.”
Eilbacher can still do it on the field, too.
She is headed to Virginia Commonwealth in the fall to play lacrosse, and Eilbacher put on a show against the Spartans with three goals and six assists.