Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in football. Magdalena Tillerman didn't get to the pinnacle of the football world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session one time each lifetime, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her hair in three 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 hair, and then my weasel died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my leg. It took five seconds to get back in shape. But to win at football is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my bomber jacket and forget about Mia, my weasel."
Pedro, her friend, moved with her to Newark to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Patrick, in their hand-carved monastery, where he still labors as an optician to help pay for Magdalena's expensive training.