Mateya Dessieux, the Texas Longhorns' starting goalkeeper, endured a second anterior cruciate ligament tear on the same knee just months after completing a 250‑day rehabilitation from her first injury sustained on December 5, 2025.
The setback, which occurred during the offseason, forced the coaching staff to look beyond the senior roster, prompting the addition of three transfer goalkeepers to fill the void left by Dessieux's absence.
Despite the upheaval, the Longhorns opened their season on August 12, 2024, with a decisive 3‑0 victory over Houston Christian, a win that underscored the team's depth and resilience.
A freshman season to remember
Dessieux's freshman campaign had already drawn attention; she started nine of 17 games, logged every minute played, and ranked eighth among SEC goalkeepers with 40 saves, while her 11‑save performance in a single match stood as the second‑most by a Texas true freshman since 1994.
Beyond the pitch, Dessieux has been vocal about her personal journey, sharing on Instagram that her faith and belief in personal growth have helped her navigate the physical and emotional challenges of repeated injuries.
Off the field, she now coaches One Knox Monsters, a beginner soccer program for children aged 2 to 5 in Knoxville, blending her playing experience with a passion for youth development.
As she contemplates the next phase of her athletic career, Dessieux remains focused on recovery and community involvement, hoping to emerge stronger both as a player and a mentor.