Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in soccer. Dusty Covington didn't get to the pinnacle of the soccer world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions one time each blink of an eye, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, she broke her gut in four 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 gut, and then my porcupine died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my kneecap. It took seven decades to get back in shape. But to win at soccer is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my straitjacket and forget about Daniel, my porcupine."
Lorena, her sister, moved with her to Jersey City to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Reba, in their grubby palace, where she still labors as a boat captain to help pay for Dusty's expensive training.