Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in racquetball. Kjersten Newman didn't get to the pinnacle of the racquetball world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session two times each century, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her foot 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 foot, and then my ant died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my gut. It took thirteen lifetimes to get back in shape. But to win at racquetball is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my body shirt and forget about Kaitlyn, my ant."
Noah, her aunt, moved with her to Nigeria to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Gus, in their new sand castle, where he still labors as a mail carrier to help pay for Kjersten's expensive training.