When Mia Garatoni walked into preseason camp in August, she was cautiously optimistic her knees were ready.

“I had meniscus surgery in April,” she said. “I was able to do some stuff, but I was cleared right before our first game.”

Her surgeon didn’t expect her to still be playing in November.

“I thought we’d be done with season by now,” Mia said. “She was like, ‘Play your heart out. Here’s some medicine, here’s a brace if you need it. See me after.’ So I see her in January.”

That clearance launched a senior season that would become historic—not just for Mia, but for the entire Holy Cross women’s soccer program. The Saints reached the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) semifinals and earned a berth in the NAIA National Tournament. They’ll face Spring Arbor University in Marshall, Missouri, to open their run this Thursday.

Garatoni’s comeback carried plenty of trepidation. Her fight started long before this year.

As a first-year student, she tore her hip labrum just weeks into college soccer.

“I felt cracking and a pop in my hip, and it went down my leg and went numb,” she said. With no diagnosis, she played for seven months in constant pain. “I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t sit.”

Doctors eventually discovered the tear. She had surgery and spent weeks in a full hip brace, unable to walk or put weight on her leg.

“I almost didn’t come back to play soccer after that,” she admitted. “I was in pain the whole time
 but I’m so happy I came back.”

That decision set the tone for everything that followed—including the knee surgery that threatened her senior season. She pushed through rehab quickly.

“It was like barely four months and I was cleared,” she said. “I passed all my strength tests. I was flying through it. I was like, I am playing.”

She doesn’t regret any of it.

“Even with my hip, that was super painful in the moment. But I didn’t care. I wanted to play every day.”

Her journey wasn’t just about overcoming injuries. It was about finding where she belonged and helping the program go to the next level.

“We never assumed we’d make it to playoffs, let alone nationals,” she said.

Fast-forward to this year: Under second-year head coach Duma Magagula—now the CCAC Coach of the Year—the Saints made the conference semifinals and earned their first national tournament bid. Four players earned All-Conference honors, including CCAC Newcomer of the Year Frances Parks. Garatoni served as co-captain.

“These are truly exciting times for the Holy Cross women’s soccer program, and moments like these can never be taken for granted,” Duma said. “I always remind the players to embrace these achievements while staying focused on the task at hand.”

For Garatoni, the transformation wasn’t just about wins. It was about culture.

“We always say we’re playing for something bigger,” she said. “There are so many people watching us and supporting us—people we don’t even know.”

That purpose extended to her teammates, including her younger sister, freshman Sophia Garatoni, who will enter Notre Dame next year through the Gateway Program.

“It’s been so much fun having her here,” Mia said. “We played together in high school, and now we’re making history together in college. It’s full circle.”

This season also brought long-awaited upgrades: a new field and stadium lights, thanks to the support of President Marco J. Clark and generous donors, including her family.

“I was overwhelmed,” Garatoni said. “I’m so thankful they were able to support everyone.”

The lights changed everything.

“We don’t have to miss class to play. More fans come out. It feels like a real college atmosphere. It’s electric.”

As captain, Mia embraced her leadership role.

“I feel like I have 20 kids,” she laughed. “I’m putting out fires constantly, but it’s so fun. Everyone’s been so respectful this year. No drama—and that’s helped us on the field.”

Off the field, Mia is a business major with minors in marketing and sports management. She’s considering a career in marketing or sales—and hopes to revive her ultra-positive sweatshirt brand, launched through a local entrepreneurship program.

But for now, she’s focused on finishing strong.

“I’m really happy I chose Holy Cross,” she said. “Honestly, it’s the best decision. After my hip surgery, I told my mom, ‘Okay
 I’m where I’m supposed to be.’

Duma is grateful to have had a front seat to nearly every aspect of this journey.

“Seeing Mia graduate is bittersweet; I’ve coached her since she was 10, and watching her growth as a player, leader, and academic standout has been incredible,” he said.