For many players, an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury can spell the end of their careers. But for Jamaican international Deneisha Blackwood, her ACL injury proved a blessing in disguise as it forced her to adapt and improve her game.
Blackwood suffered a season-ending ACL injury in August 2021 while playing for the Houston Dash in the National Women’s Soccer League.
The defender, who can also be deployed in the midfield, endured a lengthy period on the sidelines as she rehabilitated her knee, but returned in time to help the team secure qualification to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Blackwood, known for her pace and her versatility, said the injury was a blessing in disguise as it forced a change in mindset.
Where she once valued her pace, Blackwood said returning from injury showed her the importance of patience on the field, and value of tactical prowess.
She said this has been extremely helpful in adapting to Mexican football as she now plays for Toluca FC Femenil in Liga MX Femenil.
“I think my biggest injury, which was my ACL, really helped. It kind of calmed me down and showed me that the game not only needs speed but it needs tactical stuff,” Blackwood explained.
“I think especially being in Mexico where they play a lot of touch-and-go and pass-and-move, [it] has really uplifted my game a lot.”
The results have been showing on the pitch as Blackwood as netted 11 goals in her international career, with her most recent coming in the Girlz’s 4-0 win over Antigua and Barbuda last week.
With their final game of Group B against Guyana today, and a spot in the Concacaf W Championship on the line, Blackwood is ready to set the standard and push for a third-straight World Cup qualification.
“I think going into this final one as players, and as a senior player, is just making sure we’re setting the standard even from the warm-up,” she said.
“The other team’s coaches are watching the warm-ups so [we have to] make them fear us from then.”
BIGGER THAN ME
Blackwood’s goal of achieving a third World Cup appearance is also fuelled by her desire to represent Jamaica on the biggest stage, and to inspire the next generation.
Having played in the 2019 and 2023 World Cup campaigns, Blackwood said each time she wears the national colours, it is an amazing privilege.
“It’s more than just the game. It’s connecting with the fans, connecting with the younger kids, the next generation; that’s what it’s all about,” she explained.
“I think just being in an atmosphere like that and being able to be present and just interact with the fans, it was really good.”
She continued, “For me, playing for Jamaica is bigger than myself. So every time I represent, I always try to go there and give something that I know is going to be bigger than me.”
