Fairbanks High School soccer senior Coree Gifford (left) counsels freshman Chloe Jones during a recent game. Gifford is sitting out her final high school campaign after her second knee surgery. She remains part of the team as one of its captains and as an unofficial assistant coach.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
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Fairbanks High School senior Coree Gifford had to be thinking a little bit like a saying attributed many years ago to Hall of Fame baseball catcher Yogi Berra.
“It’s déjà vu all over again.”
Gifford has to sit out her final season of high school soccer because of an ACL injury she suffered to her right knee during club soccer tryouts a few months ago.
It’s the second time that Gifford, a defender and forward for the Lady Panthers, has had to undergo season-ending surgery on her knees.
The first time came right before the state high school track and field meet during the spring of her freshman season. She was scheduled to compete on two relay teams – the 4 x 400 and 4 x 200 – during the state meet.
“JP (FHS track coach Jeff Powell) was really happy about that,” she said.
That injury – to her left knee – also came during club soccer tryouts and forced her to miss competing in the state track meet. She also had to watch from the soccer sidelines as a sophomore.
“You gotta love club soccer,” said Gifford with a wry smile.
The Panther senior said both injuries came during similar circumstances.
“I was trying to make cuts with the ball and heard it (the knee) pop,” said Gifford. “I remembered what it felt like the first time, so I knew this time I had torn it again.
“The second time around, though, was much easier because I knew what to expect with my physical therapy,” she said. “I’m already about two weeks ahead of schedule with my rehab.
“It’s also helped that my mom (Diane) has been through it with me both times.”
Still, Gifford is unhappy over the fact that she can’t be on the field during her final year in high school.
“That was my biggest concern, not being able to play my senior season,” she said. “I’ve been playing soccer since I was three-years-old and I love it.
“It’s driving me crazy not being able to play,” said Gifford. “It’s more emotional and mental than anything else.”
Although Gifford can’t be on the field, she is still very involved with the Lady Panther team. She has been named one of the captains for the 2017 squad and serves as an unofficial assistant coach.
“Randy (head coach Spain) has been very supportive,” said Gifford “I still feel like I’m part of the team.”
Since she is ahead of schedule with her rehab, Gifford should get the green light to begin straight-forward running sometime in October.
She feels she will be ready for her final season of track and field when the season begins in late March-early April.
“At least I’ve got one more track season here,” she said.
Gifford also wants to continue with both sports on the next level.
“I plan to play soccer and run track in college,” she said. “I’ve talked to Otterbein, Baldwin-Wallace and Washington & Jefferson.
“All three schools said they can work it out to where I can do both sports.”
Gifford said she plans to major in early childhood education with a minor in special education.