Ex-Greensburg Central Catholic soccer star Cartwright fighting back from injury-stunted career at Notre Dame

A bright spotlight followed Bailey Cartwright when she played high school soccer at Greensburg Central Catholic, one so bright it was more like a heat lamp sometimes for the star forward.

Her goal-scoring barrage became a sort of spectacle as record after record fell and the Centurions meandered through each season.

Cartwright graduated with PIAA and WPIAL records for career goals (230) and assists (159).

But things changed when she got to Notre Dame and a debilitating ailment followed her around like she was marked again.

The spotlight dimmed. Her career took a detrimental turn.

Cartwright was dealt chronic exertional compartment syndrome in both legs, a painful condition often mistaken for shin splints but much worse. CECS is caused by too much pressure on oft-used muscles, which causes swelling, pain and even numbness.

She had two surgeries in 2017 and had to ride a scooter to relieve pressure on her scarred legs.

But don’t count her out yet. Despite missing most of her college career, she has been cleared to return to the field this fall and is intent on making a comeback.

Just returning to the game is monumental for Cartwright, who created a popular podcast that allows other injury-stricken athletes to share their thoughts. It has been a fine replacement to goals and assists — for now.

So, all things considered, what would constitute a good season in 2020?

“A few years ago, if someone asked me that I would have said, ‘Beating records and scoring goals,’ ” Cartwright said. “But now, it’s finding the love of soccer again. Giving a 1000% every day and ultimately not giving up.”

Cartwright will be a senior but will have two years left of athletic eligibility.

? Senior Spotlight ?

#️⃣2️⃣0️⃣ @bailey_cart
Forward
Connellsville, PA#GoIrish ☘️ pic.twitter.com/LaT0ysPYI8

— ND Women's Soccer (@NDSoccer) June 10, 2020

Her low points caused consternation and anger, harbored fears and left her feeling like her college career had been stripped for parts.

“There were a lot of bad days and still can be some,” she said. “I think one of the hardest things though has been the every-day impairments it’s brought, like walking up stairs or not being able to walk as much around campus as my friends.”

She missed her freshman year and most of her sophomore and junior seasons, playing just three games in each.

Her last game action seems light years away.

She said finding ways to stay positive kept her focus sharp and the podcast is at the top of the list.

“Stronger Scars” opened her up to a brave new world of maligned athletes who did not find comfort in a rush of adrenaline on the field, but rather through discussing the down times — what caused the scars — with others going through the same dilemma.

“Finding positive ways to look at my injury have really helped me out physically to get back to playing,” Cartwright said. “Hearing someone tell me that the podcast has helped them, or hearing my story encouraged them to fight an injury, makes me fight even harder. I wouldn’t be setting a good example if I let the injury win.”

It was during this time in history when good news is fleeting, here and gone in the shadow of more troubling news, Cartwright learned she would be able to play again.

“Before we had to leave campus due to covid-19, I was having my first healthy spring,” she said. “It’s been a very bumpy road to say the least, but as much as I love soccer and I am excited to get back out there, I’ve grown so much as a person and have found myself off the field.”

Cartwright does not take medication for her ailment but has come to know her legs and what could lie ahead each day.

Something that seems simple for a Division I athlete, like going to the gym, can be a task.

“I do stretch and roll my calves out a lot more than others,” she said. “I know my limits pretty well now so I know when it’s going to be a good or bad day when I wake up.”