Kaitlynn Ba K er

Bay State Physical Therapy and MCR Chiropractic are proud to be the Official Physical Therapy Partner and Official Chiropractic Partner of the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association. Our partnership focuses on helping reduce soccer injuries through preventative screenings and proactive preparation, so every athlete in the Massachusetts Youth Soccer organization can participate and play at their best.

For the second time during our partnership, we are pleased to sponsor the Comeback Player of the Year Award. This award was created by Bay State Physical Therapy and Mass Youth Soccer to recognize a player who has shown perseverance in overcoming the adversity caused by a sports injury. A sincere congratulations to all of the 2022 nominees for this award; their inspiring stories were truly incredible!

With great pleasure, we announce that Kaitlynn Baker of the United Soccer Club of Auburn has been named the 2022 Bay State Physical Therapy Comeback Player of the Year.

Kaitlynn Baker, also known as Kaity, is a young athlete from United Soccer of Auburn. Kaity suffered a complete ACL tear and a partial meniscus tear during her first varsity home game for her high school team. However, she didn't let this setback define her. She embarked on a journey to recovery filled with challenges, perseverance, and strength.

Kaity's healthcare team, including her surgeon, Dr. Dennis Kramer of Boston Children's Hospital, and the Bay State Physical Therapy, Worcester team, worked together to ensure she received the care and support needed to overcome her injury and return to the sport she loved. Especially instrumental was her primary physical therapist and the Clinic Manager at Bay State Physical Therapy, Worcester, Jordan Maeda, PT, DPT. Kaity shares, “Every physical therapist I worked with from the Worcester team pushed me to be the best version of myself, particularly Jordan, who helped me feel confident and recognized each accomplishment, even the smallest victory, along my rehab journey.”

As Kaity’s physical therapist, Jordan was immediately impressed with Kaity’s focus and tenacity. “We began Kaity’s physical therapy immediately after her injury, even before her surgery. This time allowed us to get her leg as strong as possible so she could have the best possible surgical outcomes,” Jordan stated. Following her surgery, Kaity restarted physical therapy with the same commitment and dedication she had become known for amongst the rehabilitation team. “We used a variety of services, including dry needling, to help her muscles recover while her ACL healed. Kaity was always compliant with all that her surgeon and I asked of her, including a home exercise program and getting back into the gym to regain/maintain as much fitness as possible as early as possible.

With the support of her family, her soccer team, and our physical therapy team, Kaity was empowered to keep pushing through the hard times. She is now possibly stronger than she was before the injury.”

Kaity's journey to recovery wasn't easy, but it taught her many valuable lessons. "I've learned that I'm stronger than I ever thought. This injury has made me appreciate the game of soccer even more and taught me to always play like it's my last game. I wouldn't have gotten through this process without my two biggest supporters, my mom and dad. I’d also like to recognize my high school team and coaches, Emily Burokas and Eric Berg, my Spirit of Liverpool club team, Mike Courtney, my friends, and my family.

And most importantly, a special thank you to my club coach Matt Ganias, who was not only at the game when my injury occurred but also by my side throughout my recovery process. If there was ever a time when I was feeling down or uncertain about my progress, he was always there and still is always there. I wouldn’t have made it through this process without him as my shoulder to lean on. This experience has made me a stronger athlete and taught me to keep my body strong, prevent injuries, and train correctly. I'm excited to apply these lessons to my future athletic endeavors."

Kaity's story is one of strength, perseverance, and resilience. She didn't let her injury define her, and she worked hard to recover and return stronger than ever. Her journey serves as an inspiration to all young athletes who face adversity in their athletic careers. Kaity's success is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and never giving up on one's dreams. Congratulations to Kaitlynn Baker of the United Soccer Club of Auburn on winning the 2022 Bay State Physical Therapy Comeback Player of the Year.

To learn more about the exceptional physical therapy services available at Bay State Physical Therapy or to find a clinic near you, visit baystatept.com