According to a new study, the number of girls suffering concussions in soccer accounts for the second largest amount of all reported by young athletes. The highest is football.
Some studies suggest that girls are at higher risk because they lack strength in their necks.
Local athletic trainer, Eric Knudson says he is not surprised to hear that soccer is leading the way. “Lots of speed, lots of velocity, lots of misdirection and lots of impact, I think that’s one of the biggest reasons soccer is so high,” he says.
The education of prevention, detection and treatment is important according to the athletic trainer.
Morgan Pavlich, a defender for Assumption’s girls soccer team knows firsthand the severity of a concussion. Earlier in the season, she suffered one from a fall in a game.
“Her trainer wouldn’t let her compete until her symptoms were completely gone,” her mother, Laura says. “At the time, I was disappointed but that was what was best for Morgan. We are thankful.”