Catarina Macario is set to make her return to the United States Women’s National Team after being out of action for two years due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The player praised Emma Hayes, her current coach at Chelsea, for her support during her recovery process. Despite being injured when she signed for Chelsea last summer, Macario expressed gratitude for the faith Hayes showed in her and hopes to repay her with her performances on the field.
Hayes will also be the coach of the United States national team when Macario joins the squad for the Paris 2024 Olympic Football Tournament. Macario described Hayes as a winner who challenges her players every day and focuses on the little things that contribute to winning games. She believes Hayes’ perspective coming from Europe will benefit the national team and make them even better.
After scoring for Chelsea upon her return to action, Macario reflected on the emotions she felt being back on the field after such a long time on the sidelines. She spoke about the pain of missing last summer’s Women’s World Cup and the mental hurdle she had to overcome to feel ready to play again. Now that she is back in action, Macario hopes to contribute to the team as much as possible leading up to the Olympics.
Despite not starting a match for Chelsea yet, Macario is enjoying being with her teammates and taking things day by day to ensure she doesn’t suffer a new injury. The club and U.S. Soccer are working together to manage her comeback and keep her in a safe environment for as long as possible. Macario is looking forward to getting back on the field for a game against Japan and continuing to work towards her goals with both Chelsea and the national team.
During her time off due to injury, Macario found enjoyment in exploring London as a tourist and experiencing the city’s cultural offerings such as jazz clubs, comedy clubs, and musicals. She was able to spend time with friends and family, which made the time go by faster and helped keep her spirits up during her recovery. Macario also shared her love for musicals, including recommendations such as Hamilton and The Lion King, which she has seen multiple times during her time in London.
Overall, Macario’s journey back to the field after a lengthy absence due to injury has been filled with challenges and emotions. With the support of her coach, teammates, and loved ones, she is focused on making a positive impact on both her club and country’s teams as she prepares for upcoming tournaments and competitions. Through hard work, determination, and a positive attitude, Macario is poised to continue making waves in the world of women’s football.
