Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in soccer. Penelope McDiggles didn't get to the pinnacle of the soccer world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions four times each second, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her cheek 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 cheek, and then my Chihuahua died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my stomach. It took six hours 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 pair of galoshes and forget about Trent, my Chihuahua."
Marla, her main squeeze, moved with her to Rochester to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Bradley, in their ancient treehouse, where he still labors as a fisherman to help pay for Penelope's expensive training.