Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in soccer. Wilbur Stevens didn't get to the pinnacle of the soccer world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session one time each week, followed by the usual homework for someone in eleventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his femur in two 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 femur, and then my anteater died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my foot. It took thirteen weeks 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 midi skirt and forget about Delores, my anteater."
Mao, his grandma, moved with him to the Virgin Islands to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Ben, in their bronze motel, where he still labors as an architect to help pay for Wilbur's expensive training.