New Zealand youth international Marisa van der Meer has returned from two anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries suffered in a six-month period to sign a two-year contract with Wellington Phoenix.
The centre-back joined Wellington from Melbourne City in 2022 but midway through her second season in yellow and black, ruptured the ACL in her right knee while in Colombia with the Football Ferns in December, 2023, denying her the chance to make her senior international debut.
Six months later the injury reoccurred, soon after the New Zealand youth international put pen to paper on a fresh Phoenix contract for the Ninja A-League 2024-25 season.
TRANSFER LATEST
GOALS GALORE: US goal machine arrives at Victory after 32-goal, 17-assist season
ROAR RETURN: Matildas legend re-signs with Brisbane Roar after record-breaking season
STATEMENT SIGNING: Huge get for Victory as 4-time champion signs from Grand Final foes
ONE TO WATCH: Jets sign talented teenage goalkeeper with ‘a lot of potential’ after two-season Canberra stint
Now, after a gruelling rehabilitation process and a return to football at Western Springs AFC, the 23-year-old has re-signed with the ‘Nix where she’ll look to restart her top-flight career and push to make her full New Zealand debut in the future.
“It’s been a big 18 months of rehabbing by myself and finding the joy again in football,” she said.
“Obviously the first time I did the ACL I was very determined for the rehab to really get back stronger.
“The second time was a setback and mentally, there was a small period I was thinking about having to go through it all again.
“But I think I always had the drive to get back and I’m still young so I was determined during my rehab to get myself back on the field. And now I’m ready to go again.”
“(Representing New Zealand) is definitely still a goal,” she added, “and having that there is important but I’m focusing on what I can do every day from here.”
CLICK HERE TO HEAD TO THE NINJA A-LEAGUE TRANSFER CENTRE
Van der Meer is the latest in a string of impressive off-season signings from the ‘Nix, including Lucia Leon, Ellie Walker, Tessel Middag, Victoria Esson, Sabitra Bhandari and CJ Bott.
New Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman lauded van der Meer’s persistence and resilience to come back from two ACL injuries in such a short space of time and return to the Ninja A-League.
“It speaks to Marisa’s character to have come back from two ACLs in the way that she has,” Priestman said.
“And speaking to her she is incredibly motivated to achieve both our club goals and also her own personal goals, such as representing the Football Ferns, which is the hunger and desire you want from your players.
“She was a real asset when she played for the Phoenix previously and I got the chance to see her play for Western Springs recently in person as well as reviewing other game footage.
“Marisa is very good in the air, good on the ball and also loves to defend which I think is an asset that you want in any centre back.”
