Heath: Setbacks are set-ups for comebacks

In the latest UTD Podcast, the United States international speaks to presenters Helen Evans and ex-Red David May about her recent issues -  our no. 77 is currently out with a long-term injury which has kept her out of action since January.

The 32-year-old arrived at United in the summer and has made eight appearances for Casey Stoney’s team in the Women’s Super League, scoring four times and providing two assists. In October, she was voted the league's Player of the Month.

Speaking about her spell on the sidelines, Heath said positive mentality and the perspective you have when it comes to difficult situations is key to recovery.

"I don’t really look at things as finite," the MU Women forward said.

"I guess, if anything, I always say that setbacks are set-ups for comebacks. Honestly, I really think it helps to develop perseverance, determination, having to struggle. Struggling and resilience are such important characteristics for an athlete."

Heath has been playing professionally for 17 years, winning several major accolades, most notably two World Cups with the U.S. Women's National Team in 2015 and 2019.

"If you’re playing [for] as long as I have, you’re going to have so many setbacks and if you want to have a long, successful career, you’re going to have to learn to really persevere and change your perspective on things," she told the UTD Podcast.

"If you can actually switch your mindset to look at the positives and look at your development from a different lens, it’s actually extremely powerful and you get to see the game from a different perspective."

However, the U.S. international also revealed that she had a different mindset in her 20s than what she does now.

"Obviously, I have a bit more wisdom now on these matters but I do think I had a good head on my shoulders," Heath added.

"I had good people around me, people that really cared about me and were focused not just on my career but just more developing yourself as a person and being strong and independent."

Despite suffering several injury setbacks, our no. 77 was never in doubt that she could reach the very top of the sport.

"Ultimately, it was just self-belief in my dreams and what I felt what I was capable of doing as a footballer and I don’t think that ever wavered. That was just from passion and love of the game. I don’t think there was anything stopping me from doing what I wanted to do."