Two UConn soccer stars recovered

Storrs (WTNH) - Brittany Taylor and Glastonbury's Jessica Diakun both missed the 2008 season recovering from knee surgery. The 5th year seniors are back, playing again and leading the nationally-ranked Huskies.

"It's something I've never felt before and never want to feel again," said Taylor of her injury.

A torn ACL: physically and emotionally it can bring the best players down.

"It definitely does get lonely," said Diakun.

They went down months apart. Taylor got hurt just before the 2008 season and Daikun was not long after. Surgery followed by rehab -- they've been there and done that.

"It was definitely a defining moment for you as a person trying to be able to get back where you were and stronger than you were before," said Taylor.

Before the injury, Taylor was already one of the most decorated players in school history. She has US National Team; a pro player written all over her.

Pierson: "Can you be a better player than you were before?"
Taylor: "I think so. I think I am. I hope I can."

"Taylor, her athleticism is a step above a lot of players her age; she is very dominant on the field," said Taylor's soccer coach.

Nothing has changed.

For Daikun, things have changed; playing for her home state Huskies is a dream come true. After years of blending in, she's become a leader.

"I've learned to be more vocal and more of a vocal person on the field," she said. "It's different than what I'm used to. I'm usually the shy kid in the back."

Quiet no more, Diakun and Taylor are making up for lost time.