Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in rugby. Kjersten Noonan didn't get to the pinnacle of the rugby world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions four times each lifetime, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her abdomen in two places. But this didn't stop her. She seems even more determined to excel at her sport.
"I was really down when I broke my abdomen, and then my puma died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my toupee. It took one hours to get back in shape. But to win at rugby is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my dirndl and forget about Jamie, my puma."
André, her aunt, moved with her to Algeria to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Sheryl, in their heavy wikiup, where she still labors as a cellist to help pay for Kjersten's expensive training.