Bonjione's Comeback Serves As Inspiration

Going into her junior season in 2009 as a defender on Bridgewater-Raritan High School's varsity women's soccer team, Jessica Bonjione had aspirations of being recruited, and eventually playing the sport she loves at the collegiate level.

But before her junior season even had a chance to get underway, Bonjione's aspirations, she thought, were shattered.

During a preseason scrimmage, Bonjione was attempting to turn and cut in front of an opponent to gain possession of the ball.

She never got there.

Bonjione's knee, which had been injured during a pair of club matches earlier in 2009, gave out, leaving her in a world of hurt as she collapsed onto the field.

"I've never felt anything that painful," she said.

Bonjione was escorted by one of her assistant coaches into the trainer's room, where she was initially diagnosed with a frequent injury that continues to derail—if not end—the careers of aspiring athletes across the globe: a torn ACL. 

Eventually, results of an MRI test taken by her orthopedist confirmed the original diagnosis. Bonjione was going to have to undergo six months of rehab. Her junior season was over before it began.

Bonjione was devastated.

"It was the worst feeling in the world," she said, "just knowing that I was going to miss my high school season."

Bonjione, who once had her sights set on playing Division III college soccer at Montclair State or Fairleigh Dickenson, was all of a sudden forced to wonder whether or not she'd ever play again.

Still, Bonjione decided to begin her rehab with a positive outlook. She was ready to accept the challenge of rebuilding the lost muscle in her knee. 

"I wanted [to get back on the field] more than anything I've ever wanted in my whole life," Bonjione said.

And so the rehab began. It was five days a week; three with a physical therapist and two with a personal trainer.

"At therapy, I was working more on balance and doing some light weight training," Bonjione said. "With the trainer, it was more aggressive. I was doing more intense weight lifting, back pedaling, running and even working my upper body as well."

"I didn't know what to expect," she added.

But Bonjione did tell her teammates to expect her at every practice and game. Despite being unable to compete, she provided the Panthers with a spark from the bench, giving her teammates positive words of encouragement and serving as their biggest cheerleader.

And while the season was progressing, so was Bonjione's rehab. She was way ahead of schedule in her recovery.

By four months, she was working on ball skills with her coaches. And by five months, she was practicing once again with her teammates.

Still, upon returning, Bonjione said she felt somewhat apprehensive.

"I was nervous at first," she said. "I didn't know if I was going to feel pain."

Once she started playing, though, there was no pain. Bonjione was comfortable again, and her fitness level was back.

So was her game. 

"I feel like I've gotten better," Bonjione said. "I feel like I don't get pushed off the ball as easily as I used to."

Her improvement certainly caught the attention of her teammates, who chose to select her as captain prior to the start of her senior season.

"I didn't expect it, I was really surprised," Bonjione said. "I didn't think anyone would consider me. But I guess they chose me because of my positive attitude on the bench, and how I showed up for everything."

With Bonjione serving as one of the senior leaders on the backline, the Panthers are currently 8-1, and a favorite to capture the county title.

"We're hosting counties," Bonjione said. "So I hope we get there."

Given how well they've played this season, there's little reason to believe that won't happen.

Over a year ago, there was little reason to believe Bonjione was ever going to fully recover and get to play the game she loves again. As a result of her relentless hard work and determination during her rehab, she was able to return to the soccer field and be the lockdown defender she used to be as a sophomore.

"It's been an incredible journey," said Bonjione, who aspires to major in special education in college. "It was a life-changing experience."