Hinkelmon overcomes injury, succeeds in soccer

By Melanie Greenberg
September 21, 2011

Senior Kara Hinkelmon is hoping to win another title with the women's soccer team this season. -- Ryan Sankey / Staff Photographer

Kara Hinkelmon, First Team 2010 CSAC winner, started her senior year with one goal in mind: another title for Cabrini women’s soccer. After tearing her posterior cruciate ligament as a sophomore, the ligament connecting the shin and knee, Hinkelmon had to come back from injury with a positive attitude.

“Coming back from an injury is always hard, but it gives you a push to work on building strength just to get back out there,” Hinkelmon, senior forward/midfielder, said. “The hardest part was being out so long but being a senior now, I look back and think everything happens for a reason.”

After tearing her PCL, Hinkelmon was able to recuperate enough not only to experience a CSAC title, but also play in the final game.

“With such a big team of new comers this year, I want them to experience what I did my sophomore year, winning the CSAC. It would be nice to leave here with another title under my belt,” Hinkelmon said.

As a three-sport athlete throughout high school, Hinkelmon had no trouble adjusting to life as a student-athlete in college. In fact, it was one of the reasons she chose to attend Cabrini.

“I chose Cabrini because it is small and reminded me of my high school. My brother went here and I wanted to play soccer and basketball,” Hinkelmon said.

Soccer and basketball were two sports Hinkelmon excelled in, ranking second for soccer with nine goals and three assists last season. After her injury, she decided to stick to soccer.

“I enjoyed it better and just got this excitement watching my brother play,” Hinkelmon said. “It’s pretty much all I know. I grew up with it.”

Hinkelmon takes her passion for athletics and exercise off of the field and into the classroom as an exercise science major. Her aspirations after graduation lead her south to Florida.

“I want to move to Florida because I would really like to help senior citizens and keep them healthy with exercise,” Hinkelmon said. “I want to continue to play soccer.”

Teammates agree Hinkelmon’s role extends off the field.

She is a great leader and there to help her teammates on and off the field,” Alex Tralie, junior forward, said. “During games especially. Her motivation and advice has always helped whenever we struggle.”

“Kara has confidence and a powerful foot on the field; it intimidates opponents and gives us the strength to win,” Maddy Edwards, junior goalkeeper, said. “I know as a friend and teammate she presents leadership on and off the field. She pushes players to reach their potential.”

Hinkelmon’s role as a senior does not make leadership an easy task to conquer, despite her experience and positive attitude.

“Being a leader with so many transfers and freshmen is always tough,” Hinkelmon said. “You gotta show leadership on and off the field.”

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Melanie Greenberg

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