London’s Story: Two ACL Tears, One Unbreakable Spirit

How a determined teen and a dedicated team at Manning Family Children’s tackled back-to-back sports injuries.

When 15-year-old London steps onto a softball field, her presence is impossible to miss. As a third baseman with quick instincts, a powerful swing, and a contagious smile, she’s known for her grit, positivity, and a fun-loving spirit that lifts everyone around her. 

Over the past two years, she became known for something else: the extraordinary strength it takes to recover from two ACL injuries in two different knees—just one year apart. 

Her journey reflects the resilience of young athletes and the specialized care required to treat sports injuries in growing bodies. It also highlights the expertise at Manning Family Children’s, home to the largest and most comprehensive pediatric orthopedic program in Louisiana. 

The First Injury: A Torn Left ACL and Meniscus 

London’s first injury happened during what should have been a routine defensive play at a varsity softball game for Isidore Newman School. While fielding a ball, she twisted her left knee, immediately felt pain, and noticed swelling setting in quickly, all classic signs of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage. 

Her family took her straight to Manning Family Children’s. Because swelling can limit what shows on imaging, her care team waited until inflammation improved before ordering an MRI. The scan confirmed what they suspected: a torn ACL and meniscus in her left knee. 

The ACL is a key stabilizing ligament that prevents the knee from shifting forward, and in young athletes—especially those in pivoting or high-impact sports—it’s one of the most commonly injured. 

Even then, London pushed through more than most adults could imagine. On a pre-planned family trip to Chicago, she walked nearly 10,000 steps in one day with her knee braced—just one early example of the determination she would carry through both recoveries. 

For teens like London, whose bones are still growing, ACL reconstruction requires meticulous planning to protect the growth plates. London’s surgery was performed by pediatric orthopedic surgeon Joseph Gonzales, MD, who specializes in sports injuries in children and adolescents. 

“ACL injuries in young athletes require precise reconstruction and a carefully staged rehabilitation plan,” said Dr. Gonzales. “At London’s age, we also have to protect the growth plates and ensure the knee matures normally after surgery. Our goal is not just to repair the ligament, but to protect long-term growth, joint stability, and future athletic potential.” 

 
Physical Rehabilitation Begins 

The first weeks after surgery were tough. Because their home had stairs, London stayed at her grandmother’s house, relying on crutches, cold-compression therapy, and a brace. Manning Family Children’s provided a cooling device to help manage pain and swelling. 
 
Her early recovery progressed in carefully monitored stages: 

• Week 1: Bedrest, icing, and pain management 

• Week 2: Assisted movement, sponge baths, and gradual mobility 

• Week 3: Walking short distances with support 

• Following months: Strength, flexibility, and balance work 

 
Physical therapy became the center of her recovery. Day after day, milestone after milestone, she rebuilt strength and confidence. Her mom, Darryl, remembers that stretch of time clearly—the long days, the small wins, and the way London showed up for every session. 

“Every milestone felt huge,” Darryl said. “We could see her getting stronger, and it reminded us she was going to get back to what she loved.” 
 

By the end of physical therapy, London returned to softball more determined than ever. 

The Second Injury: A Torn Right ACL Tear, MCL, and Meniscus 

Less than a year later, while playing on her Jefferson Parish travel team, London faced the unimaginable again. 

During a quick stop at third base to avoid a sliding runner, the motion put sudden strain on her knee, and she felt a “snap.” Her father, a former player, recognized immediately that something was wrong.  

An MRI revealed a torn ACL, medial collateral ligament (MCL), and meniscus in her right knee, a more complex, multi-ligament injury with a longer recovery timeline. 

The setback was incredibly difficult. After months of disciplined work, London suddenly faced the entire process again—this time with a sharper awareness of the pain, the immobility, and the long road ahead. 

Her care team anticipated the emotional toll. Within the Manning Family Children’s system, Dr. Gonzales recommended involving a therapist early to help her navigate the anxiety, frustration, and fear that often come with repeat injuries in young athletes. Because her mental health support was integrated with the same team treating her knee, coordinating goals was seamless and kept everyone focused on her overall recovery. London also spoke with another teen athlete who had undergone two ACL surgeries, which helped normalize her experience and rebuild her confidence. 

A Second Surgery, A Second Comeback 

London’s second surgery went smoothly. Dr. Gonzales reconstructed the torn ACL and repairing the additional ligament and meniscus damage. Her family again found reassurance in the attentiveness of the Manning Family Children’s orthopedic team. Her mother remembers calling the orthopedic emergency line late at night when London was in pain and receiving immediate, compassionate support. 

 
Her rehabilitation the second time included: 

• Several months of physical therapy 

• Gradual return to movement 

• Sport-specific drills 

• Light practice with her travel team 

• Strength work at school and with a trainer 

• Strength-building workouts with her dad 
   

Because London already understood the rehabilitation process, her therapists allowed her to transition to supervised team training a bit earlier with strict focus on safe movement and progressive conditioning. 

London also embraced healthier habits, including improved nutrition and structured conditioning, not just to recover but to build a stronger foundation for her future. 

“Through everything, her dream stayed the same,” her mom shared. “She wants to play softball in college. That’s what motivates her. She always says she’s coming back ten times stronger.” 

Through both injuries, London felt deeply supported. Her school teammates rallied after the first injury with cards, care packages, and constant messages of support, and teachers and families checked in often. When the second injury happened, her travel team stepped in just as strongly, with coaches calling regularly for updates and encouragement. 

And through it all, London stayed very much herself: a true social butterfly who kept showing up for friends with the same easy smile she’s known for, even on the hard days of rehab. 

Her younger brother, close in age and often competitive with her, became one of her biggest supporters, helping her move around and stepping up in ways that deeply moved their parents. 

These moments of kindness played a meaningful role in keeping London motivated and connected to the sport and community she loves. 

Orthopedic Care Tailored to Young Athletes 

London’s story highlights the breadth of pediatric orthopedic expertise available at Manning Family Children’s. The hospital treats everything from routine fractures and sports injuries to complex spine, hip, limb, and neuromuscular conditions. With clinics throughout the region and extended hours at the main campus, families have seamless access to coordinated, multidisciplinary care whenever they need it most. 

Today, London is back to training and preparing for the next softball season. She knows the work ahead will be challenging, but she also knows she has everything she needs—determination, support, and a care team that has helped her rebuild twice. 

Her mom reflects on the last two years with pride. 

“Kids are resilient,” Darryl said. “They need someone in their corner reminding them they are capable. Support them mentally, encourage them, and do not let one setback stop them from what they love. With the right people and the right care, they can get through anything. London, along with her care team at Manning Family Children’s, has proven that twice.”  

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At Manning Family Children’s, our orthopedics experts care for kids and only kids. That means our fellowship-trained pediatric orthopedic experts are here for your child, when and where you need it, in a kid-friendly, comfortable environment. When it comes to your child’s health, experience makes all the difference, because kids aren’t just little adults. Visit the Manning Family Children’s website to learn more about the specialized pediatric orthopedic and sports medicine care available to young athletes across Louisiana. 

About Manning Family Children’s 

Manning Family Children’s is a 263-bed, non-profit academic pediatric medical center that offers comprehensive healthcare services, including over 40 pediatric specialties, just for children. With more than 600 pediatric providers, Manning Family Children’s offers a comprehensive array of specialized pediatric services in Louisiana and the Gulf South. In addition to its main campus located in New Orleans, Children’s operates a network of specialty clinics across Louisiana, including in Covington, Baton Rouge, Alexandria, Lafayette, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Children’s offers primary care at 17 convenient locations, along with a network of statewide pediatric affiliations. Children’s is a proud member of LCMC Health, a Louisiana-based, not-for-profit hospital system which also includes New Orleans East Hospital, Touro, University Medical Center New Orleans, West Jefferson Medical Center, East Jefferson General Hospital, Lakeview Hospital, and Lakeside Hospital. Learn more at manningchildrens.org.