Editor's note: Halle Dixon is a Daily Universe sports writer and a member of the BYU women's soccer team.
A season ending back injury caused me to utilize a medical redshirt last season in 2024.
I played in six games and was devastated to endure extreme pain and symptoms from a pre-existing birth condition, called tethered cord syndrome, that would require me to need my fourth spine surgery and I would be out for the rest of the season.
I had intense pain in my back and I was beginning to lose the feeling in my legs, more and more everyday. I was scared, confused and heart broken that my season would end before I felt like it even really started.
Despite my doctor's opinions, I wanted to try to play in one more game. It was Sept. 5, 2024 and we were playing Boise State. It turned out to be a night I will never forget.
Prior to the game, I prayed to God that I would be able to perform my best for my team, that I could be protected, and that I could end my personal six-game season on a high.
And God delivered in so many ways.
I subbed in with about 20 minutes left in the first half, and the second I stepped on the field, all the pain was gone. I felt like I was flying. I began getting shots off, going one-on-one with my defender, and playing like myself.
I got the ball around midfield, touched past a couple defenders, took a shot 25 yards out and scored a bar down goal.
I have never felt so much happiness, grace, and peace. I knew angels and God was with me at that moment. We won the game and it was an incredible and special, special night.
As amazing as this was, on Sept. 11, I was in surgery, unsure of what my future was going to hold. I had faith I would be able to make a full recovery and return to the team and the game, however, there were still parts of me that were unsure and questioned if I would ever be the same.
Surgery went extremely well and after about five days in the hospital, I was walking and able to go home. I began rehab and started setting my goals. Every day was a battle, but I knew that with faith, diligence, persistence, and an amazing support system that I have in my BYU family, I would be able to make a comeback.
I spent the following months in daily rehab and physical therapy to do everything I could to get stronger and back to where I needed to be. By January, I was full-go playing. It was a miracle.
Going into the summer and preparing for the fall season, I was feeling so excited, confident, and ready, but there was still doubt that would creep in and made me often question: Was I really good enough? Was my back strong enough? Am I fit enough to compete at this level against the best girls in the nation?
I had many conversations with teammates, coaches, members of our support staff that helped me work through these doubts.
I never really understood why I had to go through what I did last season. I felt like I had injury after injury and all I wanted to do was play at BYU. But it was not until our recent Sweet 16 run in the NCAA tournament that it all clicked for me and came down to one word: Gratitude.
This 2025 season meant the world to me. I was so grateful to be healthy enough to play in every single game of the season, train in every single practice, and give my all to this program. As amazing as it was, it meant even more to me after going through what I did last year.
The "attitude of gratitude" was something I really tried to embody. By no means was it perfect, but everyday I was just so thankful for a healthy body and the ability to play with my best friends.
It allowed me to perform better and at a higher level.
Injuries are a natural part of the game. It is what you sign up for. They never get easier, but the perspective I have gained and the ability to do what I love is something I will never take for granted.
And I have God, my coaches, teammates, trainers, and my family to thank for it all.
This is just the beginning.