Gianna is Back to Playing Soccer After Knee Surgery

October 06, 2025

Fight the Unfair with Florida's top-ranked children's orthopedics. Gianna holding soccer ball.

Revised 10/31/25

When your child is sick, struggling, or in pain, one thought comes to mind again and again: This is so unfair. At Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, our dedicated team of physicians, nurses, therapists, and child life specialists understand that feeling and are ready to fight the unfair beside you and your child. We give every child the best care possible.

When Gianna—a dedicated college soccer player whose world revolved around practices, games, and the exhilarating rush of competition—had two ACL reconstructive surgeries, it was unfair because it could have ended her athletic career.

The first injury was tough, but the second one felt like a nightmare. It wasn't just the pain; it was the mental toll. You start to doubt yourself and your ability to come back. It was exhausting.

Gianna | Patient

Thanks to the expert care Gianna received from Jeremy Frank, MD, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon in the hospital's nationally ranked pediatric orthopedic department who specializes in getting young athletes back to their peak performance, she had a successful recovery and inspiring transformation because it involved healing both her body and mind.

When working with young athletes like Gianna, we understand that an ACL injury is never 'just' a physical problem. It's a complete pause button on their life and their passion. Our approach focuses on meticulous, individualized rehab planning and robust psychological support to ensure they don't just return to play but return stronger and more confident than before.

Jeremy Frank, MD | Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon

Our Fighters

Our expert teams care for a child’s whole health and wellbeing. “Fight the Unfair” is our promise to every family who walks through our doors. It is our way of saying that you are not alone, and that we will always give our all to help your child heal and get back to being a kid again.

Our children’s hospital is a special place that creates an environment where kids can still be kids despite the fight they face. Hospital rooms become places for laughter, learning, and play. We do everything we can to bring light and hope into the toughest days.

During her extensive rehabilitation, Gianna found more than just a path back to the field; she found a new calling. The intensive work with Dr. Frank and the rehab specialists—the detailed analysis of movement, the psychological resilience training, and the dedication required for consistent progress—sparked a deep interest.

Gianna’s experience led her to actively explore sports rehab, sports medicine, and psychology, aiming to help other young athletes navigate the inevitable challenges of competition. While her recovery required immense discipline, Gianna always made time for the things that keep her balanced, including spending time with her family, going to the beach, and staying active through running, swimming, and yoga.

"Dr. Frank and the whole team showed me the science and the psychology behind sports medicine," says Gianna. "Seeing how they blend physical therapy with understanding the athlete's mindset was incredibly inspiring. It made me realize I could be that person for someone else someday."

Thanks to the dedicated, specialized care from the pediatric orthopedic team, Gianna is back on the field, a stronger athlete and an aspiring healthcare professional, turning her most challenging moments into her greatest source of inspiration.

"Our commitment is to the whole person," says Dr. Frank. "We don't just fix bones and ligaments; we cultivate strength, mental toughness, and a healthy future. To see a young athlete use a setback to pivot toward a career of helping others is truly why we do what we do."