Ella Burke, a former soccer standout from Naperville Central, has made a triumphant return to the field. An incoming senior at Cincinnati, Burke had been sidelined by significant injuries for almost two years. Recently, she rejoined action with River Light FC, a team based in Aurora that competes in the USL W League, a preprofessional league. Her comeback has been much anticipated.
Anne Iwinski, coach of River Light, expressed excitement at Burke’s return. “We were really excited to have her,” Iwinski said. “She texted me just before the season started asking if we had room, and I said we’d love to have her back.” Iwinski, who shares a background with Burke having played for the same coaches in high school, now coaches boys and girls soccer at Marmion.
Burke had previously played for the team in 2024, ahead of her sophomore season at Cincinnati. However, that fall, she faced a setback by tearing an ACL and her meniscus in her right knee. “Things were going really well,” Burke recalled. “But during practice, a wrong step changed everything. I knew immediately it was torn.” This injury ended her sophomore season prematurely.
Hoping for a return in her junior year, Burke’s plans hit another snag with a diagnosis of compartment syndrome. “Every time I ran, there was intense pain and numbness,” Burke said. “It was unlike anything I’d experienced.” The pain prevented her from training, leading her to undergo a difficult test confirming the condition.
The diagnosis was alarming, as severe cases can disrupt blood flow and risk amputation. Thankfully, early intervention through surgery allowed Burke to resume playing. She was cleared to play in January, now scarred but pain-free, performing impressively on the field.
During a match against RKC Third Coast in June, Burke excelled defensively, making impactful runs and shutting down opposition players. River Light’s goalkeeper, Alyssa Gluting, who remembers Burke as a fierce competitor from her high school days, was impressed. “She was a force,” Gluting commented. “Having her now as a teammate is amazing. She’s playing like she was never injured.”
Burke’s influence was evident in River Light FC’s 4-1 victory, with coach Iwinski praising her ability to control the field. “She’s closing spaces effectively,” Iwinski noted. “I expect her skills will translate well back into Division I play when she returns to Cincinnati in the fall.”
Despite three years of eligibility remaining, Burke is still considering her options, including pursuing a career in physical therapy. The challenges of her injuries have motivated her toward this path. Burke’s family, including her younger sister Emerson, who recently excelled at Naperville Central, has been actively supportive.
Reflecting on her journey, Burke shared, “The chance to play again is something I didn’t think was possible during recovery. It’s truly a blessing to be back on the field.”
Matt Le Cren reported this story.
Leave a Reply