By Michele Barletta

Quincy University men’s soccer player Craig Chisholm’s season took a turn for the worst back in September 2019. As Chisholm drove down the wing with the ball at his feet, he used his trickery that he has become known for, to beat the defender. However, this time, the outcome was very different.

After his leg hit the ground awkwardly, Chisholm went down clutching his left knee.

” I just knew straight away that it was something bad, I’ve been injured before but that one was different,” Chisholm said.

After numerous assessments by the athletic training staff, doctors, and multiple X-Rays and MRI’s, Chisholm’s worst fears came true. A torn ACL had ended his season, and the road to recovery after surgery, looked dark and long.

“I was considering going home and not playing again, but I’d seen my teammate go through the same thing so I knew I could do it,” Chisholm said.

The Hawks had an impressive season this year, after finishing in 9th place in 2019, they finished third in 2021, with a record of 10-5-1 and a GLVC semi-final appearance.

Chisholm was at the heart of the Hawk’s success, scoring three goals whilst playing in both the attack and defense.

All three of Chisholm’s goals came in one weekend, with one against Southwest Baptist University and two against Drury just two days later. This earned him the GLVC offensive player of the week award. Chisholm was the first player from Quincy University to receive this accolade, since Kingsford Adjei in 2018.

“Earning the award was great, I mean it’s always nice to be recognized, the boys in the team have been great about it and really supportive,” Chisholm said.

Chisholm’s contribution the soccer team this season earned him “The Comeback Player of the Year” award, at the Quincy University athletic department’s annual banquet.

The Comeback Player of the year award is given to a student athlete who suffered a serious injury in the previous year, and then returned to make an impactful difference in their team. The other nominees for the male award were Volleyball’s Cooper Coleman, Giulio Fortugno from Lacrosse and Football’s Marcell Scott.

“Again it’s nice to be recognized, I worked hard and my teammates and family were really helpful and supportive,” Chisholm said.

Chisholm worked closely with Athletic Trainer, Miranda Higgins, in an effort to get back on the pitch as soon as possible. It’s only fitting that Higgins presented him the award.

“Miranda was great, she really helped me throughout the whole thing, every day she made sure I made some kind of progress so I’m just grateful I got someone as good as her,” Chisholm said.

The Hawks suffered a 3-2 loss to Maryville University in the GLVC semi-final and will be looking to avenge that loss in the fall.

“It was heartbreaking to miss out on the championship game, but we’ll be back next year and look to do even better,” Chisholm said.