MIDDLETOWN,Pa- The definition of adversity is "a state, condition, or instance of serious or continued difficulty or adverse fortune," tearing an ACL definitely fits that definition. The definition of courage is "the ability to do something that you know is difficult or dangerous," and trying to continue your career after tearing your ACL is courageous.

That is exactly what Penn State Harrisburg women's soccer player Alyssa Crowley is currently doing, and has done before. After tearing her ACL two times previously, she has been through the thorough rehabilitation process necessary to get back to playing again. The unfortunately is she suffered the injury for an unprecedented third time, and is now going through this process once again.

Many other athletes would have a legitimate excuse for just calling it a career and feeling sorry for themselves, but that is not how Crowley is built. Instead of packing it in she became the team's manager in order to stay around her teammates and help them in any way she can. While going through her rehab process this season and now in the offseason, she is trying to impress upon her teammates her relentless work ethic, and show them how committed she is to her team.  

Coach Adam Clay had this to say about his fresman manger.  "The reaction that Alyssa had when I used the term team manager on a recruiting visit last Spring made me feel almost as bad as she did.  I could tell instantly  how much playing soccer meant to her.  The fact that she was willing to do whatever she had to do to be apart of the team was impressive, but  what she did with this role is why me and the team cannot wait to add her to the field dynamic.  She was a leader as a freshman and without ever playing a minute of soccer.  Once she gets back her physical strength's, I believe she is going to have the story book season that she deserves and has already worked so hard for." 

She is determined to get back on the soccer field and is doing everything in her power to make sure that she is ready for the opening game in the 2014 season. With her level of courage and determination, it is almost a formality that she will accomplish her goal.