Last summer, Jaiden Thomas was eagerly preparing for her fourth and final season with NC State women’s soccer. But in a routine drill just days into the preseason, Thomas knew exactly what happened the second she hit the ground. Before her season even began, it ended in heartbreak. Thomas, a long-time veteran midfielder for the Wolfpack, described her injury as an “out of body experience,” one that she knew the result of the moment it happened. After an immediate and apprehensive flurry of appointments, hospital visits and tests, Thomas’ status was confirmed. Thomas’ ACL and meniscus were torn. Her season was over. A year later, Thomas has returned to the field. Stubbornly perseverant, the packwsoccer star pushed her way through physical toils and mental struggles to make it there. Click the Iink in our bio to read the full feature. 📝 Ethan Bakogiannis 📸 Kaela Belingon and Griffin Bryant #NCState #NCSU #PackSoccer #Thomas #Injury #technician