ROCKINGHAM — A torn ACL in her left knee during her sophomore year left Caroline Whitley to wonder if she would be able to play soccer in college.
Now a senior at Richmond Senior High School, Whitley will be able to fulfill that dream while also chasing another.
On Wednesday, Whitley took to Twitter to announce she had verbally committed to play soccer at Methodist University.
“I am humbled and blessed to announce my verbal commitment to Methodist University to continue my academic and athletic career,” she wrote. “It has been a long and difficult road, but I would like to thank God, my family, friends and coaches that have helped me get here. Go Monarchs!"
Whitley became the first Richmond soccer player to commit to the collegiate level since former player and teammate Tatum Hubbard did in 2018. Hubbard also plays at Methodist and suffered a similar knee injury during her senior season.
The two talked during Whitley’s recruitment process, which helped the midfielder make her decision. Whitley said she was also considering playing at Barton, Cape Fear, Lees-McRae and Western Carolina.
Sealing the deal on her decision, however, was her visit to campus on Monday and getting accepted into the nursing program.
“I chose Methodist because I wanted to go to nursing school and play soccer,” Whitley explained. “After visiting campus and meeting with Coach Bryan (Madej) and my admissions counselor, I knew that I could do both.”
Earlier this month, Whitley was one of several students to earn her Nurse Aide I Training Program certificate at Richmond Community College.
After tearing her ACL during a pre-season scrimmage and playing through it the first couple of games as a sophomore, Whitley embarked on a year-long road to recovery.
She was ready for the start of her junior season this past spring, but the coronavirus pandemic shortened the Lady Raiders’ schedule to five games, which saw Whitley start each one.
She said she even temporarily took playing college soccer off the table, but during the last nine months, Whitley said the coronavirus pandemic made her reconsider wanting to play the sport she loves.
“I started going to camps my eighth grade year and had a good freshman season,” Whitley said. “Then I got hurt in 10th grade and after not getting to play this spring, I wasn’t going to play soccer. But when COVID hit, I decided I needed to play soccer. Getting the opportunity to play is a second life and now I hope to get to play all four years.
“It’s something I never thought would happen,” she added. “I haven’t played a full season in two years. Committing now will allow me to focus on my schoolwork and make my senior year more enjoyable. It’s a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.”
Chris Larsen, who has been Richmond’s head coach since Whitley’s sophomore year, applauded her effort to get back on the pitch following her injury. He also says her soccer IQ is what makes her a good recruit for Methodist.
“Caroline has put a lot of effort into getting back into soccer shape and recovering from her season-ending injury,” Larsen said. “Last year could have been a breakout season for her, but we didn’t get to play many games before we were shut down.
“What she offers is an understanding of the game and what she can do to benefit the team,” he continued. “That can be distributing the ball, changing the point of attack or holding until we can get our shape. She has played in the offseason each year to help build her skill which I am hoping she finally gets to display for her senior year.”
Methodist, a Division III program, is coached by Madej, an 11-year veteran. Whitley will join a Monarchs roster that has had six winning seasons in the last seven years and competes in the USA South Conference.
Due to the coronavirus, Methodist will play a shortened season starting in February, shortly before Whitley and the Lady Raiders are expected to play their season.
“In terms of her future playing, I hope she continues to improve her skills and strength,” Larsen said. “I anticipate her to push her teammates to get better, challenge for playing time and encourage others around her to raise their level of play.”
Whitley and the Lady Raiders will begin official practices on March 1, with a 14-game season starting March 15.
