Ella Bjorklound's injury leads to new beginnings

BLACKSBURG, Va. (Apr. 8, 2026) – Injuries that sideline athletes can be physically and emotionally challenging, often forcing them to step away from the sport they love. For Hokies women’s soccer player Ella Bjorklund, that moment became a reality.

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Bjorklund, part of Virginia Tech’s Class of 2027, began her journey as a Hokie when she was recruited to play for the Division I women’s soccer team. Having played for as long as she can remember, the North Carolina native was set to continue her career at the collegiate level.

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Her plans quickly changed after she was injured upon arriving on campus for summer training. The injury marked the beginning of a two-year recovery process while adjusting to life as a first-year college student in a new environment.

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During that time, Bjorklund remained involved with the team but was unable to compete. Instead, she spent practices and games on the sidelines while focusing on rehabilitation and recovery.

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“I felt isolated from the team and I had to just sit back and watch for basically two years,” Bjorklund said. “I wasn’t able to play this sport that I loved, so I think that was probably kind of a really hard and challenging time in my life.”

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Being removed from competition also meant adjusting to a different role within the team. Without the ability to contribute on the field, Bjorklund supported teammates in other ways while continuing her recovery process.

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Bjorklund was not alone in navigating that transition. A former Division I teammate experienced a similar situation, and the two worked through the adjustment together as they learned how to contribute as injured players.

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“We kind of had to find our own roles as injured players,” her teammate said. “Both of us in high school never really were injured, so coming in, it was definitely a change.”

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The extended recovery period also shaped Bjorklund’s experience as a student-athlete. Without the demands of regular competition, her daily routine shifted as she balanced academics with rehabilitation.

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“I think it’s brought out a different side of me,” Bjorklund said. “I’ve actually enjoyed my past year, and I feel like I wasn’t super pressured or anything.”

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Her teammate said the change in environment contributed to that shift in perspective.

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“I would say it has made her a lot happier, also a lot more stress-free,” her teammate said. “I think coming from the D1 team, there was a lot of high expectations on that.”

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After two years away from competition, Bjorklund found an opportunity to return to the field through Virginia Tech’s women’s club soccer team. The transition provided a different competitive environment while allowing her to continue playing the sport.

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Joining the club team marked her return to game play after an extended absence. It also offered a way to stay involved in soccer while managing the physical and academic demands of college life.

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Now back on the field with Virginia Tech’s women’s club soccer team, Bjorklund has regained the opportunity to compete after two years sidelined by injury, as she continues her college career.