Having joined City Women in November 2021, defender Hollie Smith has enjoyed a hugely successful time at the Club so far, being a consistent feature in the side and winning plenty of silverware along the way.
However, having suffered a ruptured Achillies in January 2025, Hollie was forced to spend much of this calendar year on the sidelines.
She recently made her long-awaited return to action during our pre-season match against Carmarthen Town, and the defender is eager to impress ahead of the new season.
“Of course, it's been a difficult time. Hollie began. “I wanted to be on the pitch with the girls. Having started both games in the Champions League last season and starting the first game in the league, I felt that it was my year to really push on in my career.
"But to then get it all taken away from me, it was hard. It made it easier knowing that the team were winning, we won the league and the cup and I was so proud of what the girls achieved, but there is a sense of not really feeling a part of it because you're not playing. You feel like you can't contribute towards the success.
“I felt it was important to still be around the squad during my injury. I only missed one session in the whole time that I was injured. Just being in and around the girls, I knew that it would make the transition back to playing easier. I am up there now with those who've been at the Club the longest, so I tried to be around the squad as much as possible to help welcome in the new girls and offer some experience."
On her route back to fitness, Hollie attributed much of her progress to the support that she received.
The defender continued: “The staff were brilliant. With the physical needs and testing that I had to do, they kept pushing me. I think the biggest part that they helped me with was the mental side. They let me express my frustrations at everything that was going wrong.
"But then also when things started going right, they were always the first ones to congratulate me and be happy for me, so I think without them I wouldn't have made it back as quickly as I have.
“At the start, it was tough to have that belief. You see lots of horror stories about Achilles ruptures and to do it at 21, I felt at times that coming back may not be an option. As time went on and I became stronger, I really focused and knew that I was close to making a return and that it was going to be possible.
"The belief was there but only towards halfway through the recovery. It was only actually started to believe in myself that I could come back and perform.
“With Madison Lloyd also having a long-term injury, it was nice having someone with you who is also going through a similar thing. We could help each other on our bad days, but also support and appreciate each other on our good days.
"Madison and I had completely different injuries but to have someone there going through a similar thing was a massive help. Of course, you don't wish an injury on anyone, but just to have someone there was positive.”
Hollie came on as a second half substitute in our pre-season victory over Carmarthen Town this past weekend, marking her remarkable journey back to fitness.
She concluded: "I don't think I stopped smiling all day to be honest. From when I found out that I was going to be coming on, it felt like it was a long time coming.
"I felt like this is where I was always meant to be. I was just over the moon to get back on the pitch back doing what I love and the reception for me that I got from everyone was really heartwarming.
"The girls have supported me every step of the way to get me to this point and I was just so happy to be back on the pitch.
“It meant so much to me because I don't think I showed the girls how much the injury actually hit me, so they thought I was positive all the way through, so the support they gave me and giving me a good reception on my return was amazing.
"It’s such a nice feeling to know how much they care for me, and they really did help me all the way through the injury."