Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in soccer. Phillip Comstad didn't get to the pinnacle of the soccer world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions one time each lifetime, followed by the usual homework for someone in seventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his shin in three 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 shin, and then my duck died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my hand. It took eleven 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 diamond necklace and forget about Jeanette, my duck."
Woody, his wife, moved with him to Providence to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Gabriel, in their greasy KOA Kampground, where he still labors as a jeweler to help pay for Phillip's expensive training.