She felt like she slipped on something wet.

That’s how senior outside hitter Rachel Hockaday described the feeling of tearing her ACL in the season opener against Florida last season.

“When I went down, I knew right away that something was wrong,” Hockaday said. “It wasn’t just a twist or a sprain. I wasn’t too upset until they told me it was my ACL in the training room. I knew then that it was a season-ending injury.”

Senior outside hitter Carly Jenson, also Hockaday’s roommate, filled in for her for the remainder of the contest and the season.

Jenson wasn’t clear as to the extent of the injury until she and the rest of the team found out during a tear-filled break after the first set.

“When she initially went down, I didn’t think it was as serious as it was,” Jenson said. “I put it in the back of my mind, thinking she’d be in next game. After I found out, I felt really bad.”

This marked the beginning of a long road to recovery for Hockaday. As the season wore on, Jenson was able to show her all-around ability, while Hockaday began her four- to six-month rehab process with team trainer Mary Meier.

During that time, Hockaday never let her situation get to her.

“She is a very hard worker,” Meier said. “She had a good focus the whole time. She never came in feeling sorry for herself or pouting. From a rehab perspective, she was wonderful to work with.”

Iowa State is set to take on Cincinnati at the Northern Illinois Invitational on Aug. 26. This will be Hockaday’s first official game since her injury.

“I’m so happy to be back out there,” Hockaday said. “It’s fun just being with my teammates and competing again. I sat out for a year and it was hard for me not to compete and do drills and stuff. I’m loving every minute of it.”

With Hockaday back in action, she walks into a battle for playing time at outside hitter. The Cyclones are loaded at that position with Big 12 Newcomer of the Year Hannah Willms and freshman Victoria Hurtt.

Coach Christy Johnson-Lynch noted that Jenson has solidified her position in the rotation, but expects all four to see significant playing time.

Jenson and Hockaday being on the court together is a pair that the Cyclones will likely use often.

“Rachel is such a tremendous passer and defensive player,” Johnson-Lynch said. “Carly is very experienced. She understands the game and she’s a tremendous all-around player. That’s something you don’t see anymore. She’s good at every skill.”

While Jenson and Hockaday are technically battling for time, they know that the outcome won’t affect their relationship off the court.

“No matter what position Carly and I have, we’ll take it with grace,” Hockaday said. “We’re going to do our best at whatever coach gives us and work hard at whatever that position is.”

With her battle-hardened roommate by her side, Hockaday is ready to get back to playing the game she loves — a game she also has new perspective on.

“Every day is a chance to get better and compete,” Hockaday said. “I love that factor. I think, before the injury, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I should have. Now, I just love every second of it.”