Diana Matheson's Sports Injuries
Type of Sport: Soccer
Diana Matheson's Sports Injuries Table
| Type | Area | Date | Consequences | Content | How It Happened | Recovery Duration | Rehabilitation Details | Impact On Career | Psychological Impact | Previous Injuries | Return To Competition | Severity | Treatment | Medical Staff | Long Term Impact | Preventive Measures | Competition Missed | Initial Symptoms | Re Injury Risk | Support System | Rehabilitation Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foot Injuries | Right Foot | 2014-03-02 | Inability to bear weight on the foot and severe pain. | During a training session, Matheson fractured her right foot, which required her to be sidelined for an extended period. | Sustained a right foot fracture during a practice session. | 4 months | Immobilization in a cast followed by gradual weight-bearing and physical therapy. | Missed several key matches in the 2014 season. | Frustration and concern over recovery timeline. | None reported prior to this incident. | 2014-07-01 | Moderate | Casting and physical therapy. | Team doctor and physiotherapist. | Potential for chronic pain or discomfort. | Proper footwear and avoiding overuse. | 2014 NWSL matches | Sharp pain and swelling in the foot. | Moderate | Family, teammates, and medical staff. | Team's training facility and local clinic. |
| Knee Injuries | Left Knee | 2015-10-24 | Severe pain and inability to continue playing. | Diana Matheson suffered a left knee ACL tear which required immediate medical attention. This injury is common in athletes and often results from sudden stops or changes in direction. | Matheson tore her ACL during a soccer match. | 9 months | Underwent surgery followed by extensive physiotherapy and strength training. | Missed the 2016 Olympic Games. | The injury was mentally challenging, causing stress and anxiety about her future career. | None reported prior to this incident. | 2016-07-01 | High | Surgical repair of the ACL followed by rehabilitation. | Team orthopedic surgeon and physiotherapist. | Increased risk of future knee injuries. | Strengthening exercises and wearing a knee brace during play. | 2016 Olympic Games | Sharp pain and swelling in the knee. | Moderate to High | Family, teammates, and medical staff. | Team's training facility and specialized orthopedic center. |
| Knee Injuries | Right Knee | 2017-04-08 | Immediate pain and swelling, unable to continue playing. | Diana Matheson suffered a right knee meniscus tear during a match, which required surgical intervention. | Tore her meniscus during a game. | 6 months | Arthroscopic surgery followed by a structured rehabilitation program. | Missed part of the 2017 NWSL season. | Dealt with anxiety over the recurrence of knee injuries. | Previous left knee ACL tear in 2015. | 2017-10-01 | High | Arthroscopic surgery and rehabilitation. | Team orthopedic surgeon and physiotherapist. | Increased risk of osteoarthritis in the knee. | Ongoing strength training and conditioning. | 2017 NWSL matches | Sharp pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. | High | Family, teammates, and medical staff. | Team's training facility and specialized orthopedic center. |
Diana Matheson's Sports Injuries Videos
Former Canada Soccer player Diana Matheson on the need for a Canadian women's domestic league
Diana Matheson discusses the advantages of establishing a Canadian domestic women's professional soccer league instead of expanding the NWSL into Canada. She argues that a Canadian league would have a significantly larger impact on players, fans, coaches, and the entire professional sport landscape in Canada compared to just having an NWSL club. Matheson highlights that having American franchises in Canada is uncommon globally and prefers to compete with the U.S. using Canadian clubs in a Canadian league. She emphasizes the importance of keeping investment within Canada and controlling the league's standards, which wouldn't be possible with an NWSL franchise.
Matheson explains that having two distinct leagues prevents market splitting and allows Canada to shape its own league's future. She contrasts this with men's basketball and soccer in Canada, where tier-two leagues were established after the NBA and MLS. For women's soccer, Canada has a blank slate and a large, talented player pool, making it an opportune moment to build a professional league.
She also addresses the commercial aspect, stating that underinvestment has historically hindered women's sports. Investing upfront in a high-quality product and making it accessible on mainstream broadcasts is crucial. Matheson believes Canadians are ready to support a domestic league, given the existing fan base and the growing interest in women's soccer.
Looking at international examples, Matheson notes different successful models, such as Europe's integration with major men's clubs, Mexico's partnership with men's leagues, and the independent model in the U.S. She stresses the need for diversity of thought and upfront investment to build a successful Canadian league tailored to the Canadian market.
Diana Matheson shares her excitement about a professional women's soccer team coming to Toronto.
Toronto, with its significant market, is set to introduce a professional women's soccer team, which is a personal milestone for someone who grew up in Oakville. The upcoming steps for 2023 include seeking league membership at the Canada Soccer annual general meeting, continuing to secure partnerships, and eventually naming the league by summer.
