Overcoming Setbacks- Part 1
There is a time in everyone’s life where progress seems to halt, life is unenjoyable, self-esteem is low, problems keep arising, etc. That is just part of growing as a human being. Just know we all go through it, so don’t give up on your dreams and passions.
It was a hot, sunny day in the summer of 1998. I was participating in a sleep away Lacrosse camp up in Rhode Island with a few teammates from Chaminade Highschool. Things were going amazing.
Scoring goals
Scooping up ground balls
Colliding into opponents
and…
defending this beast who was being recruited by Princeton. I can not recollect his name, but it was quite the adventure guarding this amazing athlete. I can admit, he beat me a bunch of times with his skills, speed, and maturity, but I did not give up.
Game was winding down and he was clearing the ball down the left side of the field speeding like a run away train. I had him perfectly lined up on an angle to knock him out of bounds and suddenly POP! He slips while trying to dodge my bravery and pummels into the outside of my right knee. I continued to play not knowing that this injury could have set me back from playing in my JV football season.
The diagnosis was a torn meniscus in my right knee, and I was told I would be in rehab the entire summer without the ability to practice for football. My hopes were crushed and my summer was uneventful. However, I had my partner by my side (my mom 
) to ensure I had a quality physical therapist and that I did not miss an appointment.
The moral of the story: I did not give up even though I was depressed about the injury. I promised myself that I would play when the season began. I worked my tail off to ensure my knee was capable of handling the force production and cutting nature of football.
Outcome: I attended the first day of JV football. I started as the running back. And I had an amazing season( until I busted my ankle before the first game of the playoffs. Yet another setback).
Don’t give up. Pursue your dreams and passions. Find that “buddy/partner” that will aid you along. If you don’t have one, ask me. I’m a firm believer in paying it forward.
Stay tuned for the next setback of my life. This time it was a mental set back that could have ended my football career.
Dedicated to your results,
Greg Kalafatic
Leave a Comment