Brisbane Roar defender Holly McQueen is eager to make her Liberty A-League debut after having to sit last season out due to an ACL injury.
McQueen has undergone intensive rehab over the last thirteen months and worked alongside the Future Matildas to prepare her for her return.
The 20-year-old says that while the injury setback initially left her in shock, her determination and spirit propelled her to dig deep and push forward in recovery.
“Working step by step, ticking off little goals, that’s how I got through it,” McQueen said.
“I had another MRI recently and it all looks good.
“Just having that in the back of my mind knowing that it’s strong lets me get back out there with no stress.
“I’ve worked with my physio and we’ve gone through how I did the injury, so I don’t have to worry about it again,” she added.
Hailing from a football family McQueen relied on her support network and says being on the sidelines has allowed her to gain a new perspective and grow as a person.
“I reached out to a lot of people to help me push through,” she said.
“It’s one of the biggest injuries you can get so it’s just about pushing through and using your resources to help you become a better player.
“It’s definitely changed my perspective of football in a good way.”
Alongside her immediate family, the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS); the sport psychologist, physio and amongst others have helped McQueen with her recovery.
She also had an extra special friend to help her out.
“My dad bought me a support dog so I had a little puppy, Peaches, to help throughout my rehab,” McQueen said.
McQueen has her sights firmly fixed on the season ahead and says she is looking forward to making the most of every opportunity.
“I’m definitely looking forward to being out there with the girls, I’ve been a part of the team for a couple years now so to be out on the field with them will be great,” she said.
“I want to show that I’m ruthless and here to win.
“I’m going to bring my all and hope that everyone can see my character out on the field.”
The Liberty A-League squad is set to face off their 2022/23 campaign against the Newcastle Jets on Saturday 19 November at Perry Park.
