Resilience Rebuilt: How Lauren Watts Overcame Multiple Knee Surgeries to Pursue Her Passions with Dr. Piasceki and Margaret Lynch

Lauren Watts, a former Division 1 soccer player, had always been passionate about sports. After sustaining a serious injury during her senior year at Winthrop University, she had to navigate a challenging path of multiple surgeries and recoveries. Today, Lauren continues to stay active and works as an assistant principal, all thanks to her determination and support from her OrthoCarolina care team.

A Career-Ending Injury

Lauren's journey began in October 2016 with a severe injury that damaged almost every ligament in her knee, ending her soccer career. The injury resulted in a severed PCL, an MCL torn off the bone, torn meniscus roots, and extensive ligament damage.

A severed PCL affects knee stability, especially when moving backward, and can hinder basic movements if left untreated. An MCL torn off the bone is caused by a forceful impact, leading to pain and loss of knee control. Torn meniscus roots add to the instability, making the knee feel painful and unsteady.

Extensive ligament damage requires specialized treatment to restore knee strength and stability. OrthoCarolina evaluates and treats these issues to help patients regain confidence in their knee movement.

Discovering OrthoCarolina and Choosing Expert Care

Back in 2016, Lauren’s university team doctor recommended OrthoCarolina for her complex injury. Dr. Dana Piascekiand his PA, Margaret Lynch, became essential to her journey, providing not only their expertise but also personalized support that made a difference.

“Dr. P’s experience with multi-ligament repairs assured me I was in great hands,” Lauren explains. “They took the time to tailor everything to my unique case.”Over the next few years, Lauren underwent four surgeries to restore her knee's function. She reached a new "normal" by 2020, able to do most things she loved—just not soccer.

Overcoming Setbacks: Lauren's Journey Through Multiple Knee Surgeries and Resilience After Re-injury

In January 2023, while working as an assistant principal, Lauren encountered an unexpected setback. Responding to a behavioral incident at school, she was accidentally kicked in her knee, re-injuring previously repaired areas and tearing her ACL for the first time.

“I never thought I’d be going through this again,” Lauren shared, describing the emotional toll of learning she would need two more surgeries.

The Reality of Rehabilitation: Mentally and Physically Challenging

Lauren describes her rehabilitation as “85% mentality and 15% physical ability,” explaining that a positive outlook was essential to her progress. After her first surgery, she found herself struggling emotionally. However, with each subsequent surgery, she adopted new goals to stay motivated, including mastering advanced handstand skills.

Margaret was a key figure throughout Lauren’s rehabilitation. Lauren recalls, “Margaret went above and beyond for me and my family, always available when I had concerns.” Margaret’s genuine care and quick response to Lauren’s needs helped her stay on track and feel supported.

Rebuilding Her Life and Learning New Limits

Though she isn’t fully back to where she wants to be, Lauren is steadily progressing, thanks to Dr. Piasceki and Margaret’s careful guidance. Together, they’re working to rebuild her strength while respecting the limits of her knee. "Learning my new normal has been tough, but I'm grateful for their support," Lauren says.

Finding Purpose Beyond the Injury

For Lauren, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow, a belief that motivates her to stay positive and keep pushing forward. She remains active in sports and is finding new ways to enjoy the activities she loves.

“I believe everything in life happens for a reason,” she reflects. With her OrthoCarolina team by her side, Lauren has not only healed physically but has also discovered new strength and purpose in her life.

For more inspiring stories or information about our orthopedic services, visit OrthoCarolina.com.