Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in volleyball. Ethan Sanchez didn't get to the pinnacle of the volleyball world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for three grueling sessions three times each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, he broke his adrenal gland in four places. But this didn't stop him. He seems even more determined to excel at his sport.
"I was really down when I broke my adrenal gland, and then my lark died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my pride. It took fourteen years to get back in shape. But to win at volleyball is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my stovepipe hat and forget about Kendra, my lark."
Betsy, his mom, moved with him to Uganda to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Lorie, in their ornate wigwam, where she still labors as a makeup artist to help pay for Ethan's expensive training.