Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in soccer. Jen Espinoza didn't get to the pinnacle of the soccer world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions two times each eternity, followed by the usual homework for someone in eleventh grade.
Two years ago, she broke her skin 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 skin, and then my wolverine died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my hand. It took six blinks of an eye 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 tarboosh and forget about Ursula, my wolverine."
Ian, her girlfriend, moved with her to Anchorage to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Leonie, in their miniature chalet, where she still labors as a scientist to help pay for Jen's expensive training.