This blog is about our granddaughter Ella – in her senior year at Randolph College!

She was so little when she first tied up her cleats that we called her “TINY”!

She was about four to five years old.

Her older sister had been playing since she was four years old.

During those early years – she suffered many injuries to her feet.

Turned ankles – small bones broken when she was stepped on by cleats.

But – while on crutches – she still attended the games and cheered them on.

After travel teams and graduating from H.S. –

she was recruited to Randolph College in Lynchburg, Va.

Her older sister played across town at the University of Lynchburg and was a player in her own right!

Ella became the first Freshman to start and play every minute of her games that Freshman year.

Here are the three granddaughters-

Sarah on the left – Ella and Maddy on the right.

She no longer was “TINY”!

Growing into a 5′ 9″ power-playing midfielder!

She became a captain in her Sophomore year –

And met her sister at midfield when Maddy was a senior!

That year they played against each other on the pitch.

She played every game and almost every minute.

Ella and her close friends through the years from the team

Then – after the season was over and in the Spring of her Sophomore year-

The unthinkable happens – in their round-up practice –

She inadvertently stepped on the ball and pain shot up and down her leg!

Her oldest friends from H.S.

She was in so much pain she couldn’t sleep.

Then was when a very long process began –

Doctors – Xrays – PT – MRI – endless doctor visits – traveling to Hospitals –

It was devastating to her – crutches –

And no one had answers.

She still was captain in her Junior year –

But her time was limited.

The pain soon became normal –

Ice packs on her knee even though there was no tear.

Her family and friends stood by her –

A PT she knew in Lynchburg started deep massages on her leg and it helped.

Now it is her senior year – and another freak step –

this time her knee.

She was determined to go forward –

playing time came less and less and the pain more so than ever.

Here she is on her SENIOR day – knee wrapped but she played.

She is a trooper.

Her first two years showed so much promise – but the last two were memories she hoped to forget.

Ella – standing after the game – her knee wrapped in ice.

Her cheering section could be heard the entire game.

The season is over –

She will graduate with two degrees!

What could have been – wasn’t to be –

but this young lady taught us all a lesson.

STRIVE TO MEET YOUR GOALS – PLAY TO ACHIEVE THEM –

and when the odds are against you –

know that you gave all and in the minds of those who love you –

YOU SUCEEDED!

#10 – SENIOR ELLA MYERS – RANDOLPH COLLEGE, VA.

PAPA’S WORLD – ELLA’S SENIOR GAME DAY!

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