University of Georgia Athletics
Photo by: Conor Dillon/UGAAA
Determination Drives Torbert Back To The Field
September 03, 2024 | Soccer
By Elizabeth Isakson
Georgia Sports Communications
For the first time in two years, Dasia Torbert ran onto the field for the Georgia soccer team when it opened its season against Pittsburgh on Aug. 15. As nerves and emotions filled her heart and mind, she could not help but realize how far she had come.
In the first SEC matchup of the 2022 season, against Texas A&M, Torbert tore everything in her right knee. The season-ending injury meant another surgery and more long hours in the rehab room, a place she knew all too well.
"I've dealt with long-term injuries before. It wasn't something new to me and had gone through at UCLA," said Torbert, who transferred to Georgia in 2022 after two seasons with the Bruins. "So, yeah, it wasn't anything new to me, but it was unexpected. It took a lot out of me, more than I think I was prepared for."
During her career, Torbert has torn her ACL, meniscus, PCL, strained her MCL and hamstring, and struggled with back issues. She had been through countless surgeries, rehab series and treatments to try to put herself back on the field.
But in February 2024, when Torbert drove down to Emory Hospital in Atlanta to repair what she thought was a meniscus tear, the doctors gave her a glimmer of hope.
"They went in with a scope, but I didn't know what to expect when I woke up. When I did, the surgeon just told me that I only had a loose graft and he shaved it down," said Torbert. "I thought I was about to wake up with a whole brace on, so I was so happy. It all kind of clicked in my head like, 'I'm going to be okay.' I guess it was my turning point."
She found safety and faith through trusting herself and prioritizing mental health. Athletes face injuries more than anyone, but by putting herself first and trusting her gut, she knew the comeback would be worth it.
Transferring closer to home also helped the Buford, Ga., native through the grit and grind of a comeback. With her family and friends close by, she knew she was not all alone. Adding in her Georgia soccer teammates, she had constant support behind her.
"They've seen me at my lows, and I can only thank them so much," she said. "For me to share certain sides of me is hard. So, for them to pull that out of me, and so soon, meant a lot and helped me embrace this part of my journey."
The graduate student is finally seeing her patience pay off on the field. Chosen to the SEC Preseason Watch List, Torbert, who has started two of the Bulldogs' five games, feels like she is finally hitting her stride.
"I'm just happy to be back, smiling and doing what I love," she said.
The Bulldogs begin a four-game homestand Thursday against Illinois (6:30 p.m.) at Turner Soccer Complex.
Georgia Sports Communications
For the first time in two years, Dasia Torbert ran onto the field for the Georgia soccer team when it opened its season against Pittsburgh on Aug. 15. As nerves and emotions filled her heart and mind, she could not help but realize how far she had come.
In the first SEC matchup of the 2022 season, against Texas A&M, Torbert tore everything in her right knee. The season-ending injury meant another surgery and more long hours in the rehab room, a place she knew all too well.
"I've dealt with long-term injuries before. It wasn't something new to me and had gone through at UCLA," said Torbert, who transferred to Georgia in 2022 after two seasons with the Bruins. "So, yeah, it wasn't anything new to me, but it was unexpected. It took a lot out of me, more than I think I was prepared for."
During her career, Torbert has torn her ACL, meniscus, PCL, strained her MCL and hamstring, and struggled with back issues. She had been through countless surgeries, rehab series and treatments to try to put herself back on the field.
But in February 2024, when Torbert drove down to Emory Hospital in Atlanta to repair what she thought was a meniscus tear, the doctors gave her a glimmer of hope.
"They went in with a scope, but I didn't know what to expect when I woke up. When I did, the surgeon just told me that I only had a loose graft and he shaved it down," said Torbert. "I thought I was about to wake up with a whole brace on, so I was so happy. It all kind of clicked in my head like, 'I'm going to be okay.' I guess it was my turning point."
She found safety and faith through trusting herself and prioritizing mental health. Athletes face injuries more than anyone, but by putting herself first and trusting her gut, she knew the comeback would be worth it.
Transferring closer to home also helped the Buford, Ga., native through the grit and grind of a comeback. With her family and friends close by, she knew she was not all alone. Adding in her Georgia soccer teammates, she had constant support behind her.
"They've seen me at my lows, and I can only thank them so much," she said. "For me to share certain sides of me is hard. So, for them to pull that out of me, and so soon, meant a lot and helped me embrace this part of my journey."
The graduate student is finally seeing her patience pay off on the field. Chosen to the SEC Preseason Watch List, Torbert, who has started two of the Bulldogs' five games, feels like she is finally hitting her stride.
"I'm just happy to be back, smiling and doing what I love," she said.
The Bulldogs begin a four-game homestand Thursday against Illinois (6:30 p.m.) at Turner Soccer Complex.
Players Mentioned
Midfielder/Forward
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