"I think it's really hard," Byars said. "Just the whole rehab process in general for anyone.
It's definitely a mental game."
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Despite interest from other teams fading after her injury, San Diego remained committed to signing her.
"They were just the team that continued to stay interested in me," Byars said.
"People always say go where you're wanted, so that's why I decided to sign with them."
Before committing to the University of Texas, Byars considered playing in Europe.
"I don't think I was honestly ready to be with a professional team at that age," she said.
"I decided to take the college route. I don't regret it at all."
Byars added that her return from injury provided extra motivation.
"I feel like coming off that injury, I had a lot more motivation and drive," she said.
Defender Kristen McNabb praised Byars' efficiency.
"She's done unbelievable," McNabb said. "Her conversion rate this year has been unreal.
She doesn't need much space."
Eidevall noted Seattle's tactical versatility.
"Tactically, we see they change formations and tactics quite a lot during the games," he said. "It's going to be an interesting matchup."
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Seattle holds a 9-1-3 overall advantage in the historical series against San Diego, though the Wave were undefeated in their previous three encounters before Sunday's match.
