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PORT NECHES — For Port Neches-Groves soccer player Ansley Husen, her bulky knee brace is a reminder of how quickly a season can end.

Last season, the then-junior tore her ACL and meniscus during the last 10 seconds of the second-round state playoff game against Fulshear.

Husen, now a senior, said the road to getting back on the field was long and sometimes frustrating.

“It has been very hard,” she said. “I worked hard to get back. I had the whole preseason to recover. I feel like I am back to where I was. I had actually dislocated my knee before. I thought it was that, but I also thought it could be more severe because I heard a pop. It has been tough, knowing that I am nowhere near as fast as I was last year. It feels a little different running, especially with my knee brace, which is kind of thick. It feels different running.”

Husen said she felt like she had to start back from square one and teach herself how to play.

Her coach, Aimee Bates, said Husen has done well, finding her footing on the pitch and as a leader.

“Ansley is a senior captain,” Bates said. “She has been on varsity all four years. She anchors our defense.”

Bates said the team missed having her the final two games last season, but she is pleased to see how well Husen bounced back this season.

“She had ACL surgery, came back and was meticulous about doing her rehab,” Bates said. “It took her a while, but she is back to where she was. I am proud of the work she has done in the training room and that she has done what she needs to lead this team.”

Bates said Husen is a vocal leader; a role, which the senior said comes naturally.

“I just try to be a good leader,” Husen said. “I am a captain this year, so it is my goal to have a super positive environment every practice. I try to set an example of how we want our players to act on and off the field. Being vocal comes naturally. Me and my sister, who is also on the team, are both very vocal. Our parents have raised us like that.”

Husen said she wants the team to make another deep playoff run and be the captain who helps PNG get past the regional tournament.

Following a win to start the week the Indians improved to 20-2 record (11-1 in district play). They play their final match of the regular season against Baytown Sterling March 19.