Wood Showcased in Interview by Two-Time FIFA Player of the Year Carli Lloyd
It takes a lot of fortitude, determination and passion to come back from a serious injury and hit the soccer field again, especially as a goalkeeper. Here is an inspiring story of a youth soccer player whose injury taught her to never give up.
Youth Soccer News: New Jersey Youth Soccer continues its virtual celebration of the 33rd Annual NJYS Awards Presented by RWJBarnabas Health today, officially announcing Lia Wood as the 2020 NJYS Comeback Player of the Year Presented by JAG-ONE Physical Therapy.
In addition to receiving a plaque, Wood also participated in an exclusive interview by New Jersey native Carli Lloyd, who is an NJYS Ambassador and two-time FIFA World Player of the Year.
“I am honored to be selected as the 2020 NJYS Comeback Player of the Year,” said Wood. “After injuries to both of my legs, it was a long road to recovery, but I tried to be positive, stay focused and work hard so that I could be back on the field with my team as their goalkeeper.”
“At one point, I thought I would never get to play soccer again.”
“This injury taught me that you can do anything you put your mind to and to never, ever give up!”
Wood, a member of Northern Burlington Soccer Club, knew her road to recovery from a broken right ankle in April 2020 would be difficult. Unfortunately, her pathway back onto the field became even tougher once she added a fractured left tibia and a left ankle injury to the list as well.
However, her desire to return to the sport she loved was all the inspiration she needed.
After a positive but still difficult rehabilitation, Wood returned to the field this past September and recaptured her pre-injury form during a Columbus Day Tournament, where she recorded a pair of shutouts and helped her team to an unbeaten 2-0-1 record during the competition.
Despite the importance of helping her team to victory, the perseverance and bravery shown by Wood during her rehabilitation is truly an inspiration for all, and it makes her so incredibly worthy of the 2020 NJYS Comeback Player of the Year Presented by JAG-ONE Physical Therapy.
“All of us at JAG-ONE Physical Therapy are honored to present Lia Wood with the 2020 Comeback Player of the Year Award,” said John Gallucci Jr., CEO of JAG-ONE Physical Therapy. “Lia has shown the most important characteristics of being an athlete, perseverance and strength. She is proof that with hard work, you can always achieve your goals. Congratulations Lia!”
JAG-ONE Physical Therapy is a comprehensive physical and occupational therapy company with 84 locations throughout New Jersey, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, Westchester, Rockland, Manhattan, Long Island and Pennsylvania.
The Company’s multi-specialty staff has been serving the Tri-State area for more than 20 years and has developed a unique, care-first model of physical and occupational therapy that delivers high quality clinical outcomes for its patients.
The virtual celebration of the NJYS Awards Presented by RWJBarnabas Health will continue over the coming weeks, with award winners being announced and featured in special video interviews. To find out more information about New Jersey Youth Soccer or to contact us directly, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer.
