Rachel Goodman of Apple Valley has been playing softball and hockey in pain since 2008. It recently got so excruciating that the sophomore decided to undergo back surgery.

Goodman was diagnosed with spondylosis, a stress fracture on both sides of her vertebrae. She had bone graft taken from her hip and placed in the cracks. The two-sport standout also had a screw placed on both sides. Goodman will be sidelined from both sports for four to six months.

Here is a closer look at Goodman, who was the team MVP in hockey and captain of the softball team:

The best movie I’ve seen in the last year? “42.”

Three words or phrases my friends or teammates might use to describe me? Hard working; competitive; persistent.

Three songs I never skip on my iPod are … “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys; “Bet on It” by High School Musical; “Remember the Name” by Fort Minor.

What are your three favorite apps? Twitter; Instagram; Wanelo.

Who do you like to follow the most on Twitter, and why? Athletic girl Probs because it’s relatable.

How did you get started in the sports you currently play in high school? I started when I was 5 years old. I watched my older brother play the sports and wanted to do it myself.

At my first varsity practice, I felt … a little scared at first because I was only in eighth grade, but the upperclassmen made me feel welcome and were very encouraging to me.

What goals do you like to establish for yourself? To be the best student in school I can be, be a leader on my team and put out 110 percent every time I step on the field. Also, to have fun and stay positive.

What is your favorite meal before a game? Jimmy John’s.

What do you plan on working on most in the offseason? For this offseason, I will be working on getting my back healthy and doing physical therapy so I am healthy for hockey and softball next season. In the past, I played on the MN Stars 97 team, and we worked a lot on development and hitting during the summer.

What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete? In my second game on varsity as an eighth-grader, I got my first varsity hit, which was a home run.

Who is your school’s biggest rival, and why? Eastview, because it’s a crosstown rivalry.

How do you balance school and sports during the year? It’s not that hard. I use my study halls to get a lot done, and teachers are very flexible when they can meet with you to help you out.

If you could change one thing about high school sports, what would it be? All of the door-to-door selling/fundraising we have to do for each sport. I hate it, and every sport does it so nobody wants to buy anything.

Who is your favorite college or pro sports team and why? The Minnesota Gophers hockey team because they are fun to watch and are so good.

In 10 years, I hope I’m … working in the medical field.

What is the best sports advice you ever received? Work hard and shoot for your dreams.

RON HAGGSTROM