Ashley football player reflects on the return of devastating injuries

Wilmington, NC (Wway) – Ashley Girls Soccer would like to play in the state championship game, as they did last year when one of their own had to do with a devastating injury.

Caroline Tarrington suffered a broken tibia in a game at the beginning of last season. The then Sophomore and the current junior suffered the injury less than ten minutes after their first university start.

“I and a girl wanted the ball,” said Tarkington. “I went down and landed on my foot. I felt that my foot was literally contaminated. We came to the hospital, then they told me that it was broken.”

The X -ray shows the fracture in Tibia's Tibia, which means that it is in a line -up for several months. (Photo: Amy Tarrington)

Tarrington missed the deep playoff run of the Eagles in 2024. Although the recovery time would be lengthy, the attacking midfielder was back on the field in record.

“I should be on crutches for two months, but I started going a month later,” said Tarkington. “So it was a quick recovery. I did a lot of therapy for a few weeks, and shortly after therapy I was in football.

Tarrington on the sidelines of a home game in the 2025 season (Photo: Colton Emswiler/Wway)

Head coach Erik Graf says that she has a very unique capacity that you can finally use.

“For the attacks on Mittelfelde, one of the most difficult things you can get to defend,” said Graf. “Sometimes it is not in her nature or her positional man. She is someone who will defend herself and helps us with the attack. She is just a good all-round player. She won't inspire her with many statistics. But only the person who holds people together in the field.”

While Tarrington is still wearing a bracket when the thought of being injured again is still in her thoughts, she has learned how to deal with it and make one of the best team in the state a difference.

“I know that sounds bad when I get hurt, I am hurt. It happens for a certain reason. There are so many ways to avoid injuries, but I just have to play the best that I can. I have to play my game. I can't concentrate on the game during the game.

Tarrington treats the ball against Broughton during a playoff game from 2025. (Photo: Colton Emswiler/Wway)

Tarrington advice to others who deal with injuries is a strong attitude and a positive attitude. She believes that recovery is the worst part because you may try to withdraw, but the feeling that things get better and in the end fall in favor.