Ashley soccer player reflects on return from devastating injury
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) – Ashley girls soccer is looking to play in the state championship game like they did last year, which was when one of their own was dealing with a devastating injury.
Caroline Tarkington suffered a fractured tibia in a game early last season. The then-sophomore and current junior sustained the injury not even ten minutes into her first varsity start.
Tarkington’s fall seen here resulted in a broken tibia. (Photo: Amy Tarkington)
“Me and a girl were going for the ball,” Tarkington said. “I went down and landed on my foot. I felt like my foot literally dislocated. We got to the hospital, then they told me it was broken.”
The X-ray shows the break in Tarkington’s tibia, causing her to be in a cast for several months. (Photo: Amy Tarkington)
Tarkington missed all of the Eagles’ deep playoff run in 2024. Despite being told the recovery time would be lengthy, the attacking midfielder was back on the pitch in record time.
“I was supposed to be on crutches for two months, but I started walking a month in,” Tarkington said. “So it was a fast recovery. I did a lot of therapy for a couple weeks, and then soon after therapy I was right into soccer. I started Hammerheads and immediately started my travel season in the fall when I wasn’t even supposed to be starting or playing towards the end of winter.”
Tarkington on the sideline of a home game in the 2025 season. (Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
Head Coach Erik Graf says she has a very unique skill set they are finally able to utilize.
“For attacking midfields, one of the hardest things you can get them to do is defend,” Graf said. “Sometimes it’s not in their nature or their positional personality. She’s somebody who will defend in addition to helping us in the attack. She’s just a well all-around player. Not going to wow you with a lot of stats. But just that person that holds people together on the field.”
While Tarkington still wears a brace as the thought of getting hurt again still lingers in her mind, she has learned how to cope with it and make a difference on one of the best teams in the state.
“I know this sounds bad, if I’m going to get injured, I’m going to get injured. Things happen for a reason. There’s so many ways to avoid injury, but I just need to play the best I can. I need to play my game. I can’t stay focused on that during the game. I can’t really control if I get injured or not, but I do try to focus on what’s ahead of me and what I can do to avoid that and what I can do to contribute to my team and on the field.”
Tarkington handles the ball during a 2025 playoff game against Broughton. (Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
Tarkington’s advice to others dealing with injury is to have a strong attitude and positive mindset. She believes the recovery is the worst part as one may try to rush their way back, but feels things will get better and fall in one’s favor in the end.
