Star Student Athlete: Bethesda Teen Persevered After Several Injuries

BETHESDA, MD — We all know student athletes who also bring their A-game to other parts of their lives.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know the individual stories behind the leaderboard.

This submission comes from KC, who nominated Anya of Bethesda-Chevy Chase. Anya previously played soccer before multiple injuries forced her to choose a different sport. Now, Anya is excelling at squash.

Star student athlete’s name

Anya

Star student athlete’s home state

MD

Star student athlete’s Patch town

Bethesda-Chevy Chase

How do you know the star student athlete?

My child

What sport does the star student athlete play?

Squash

Why do you believe the star student athlete should be recognized?

After five fractures, her parents refused to allow Anya to continue to play travel soccer, which she had played for several years since she was a child. After physical therapy, she wanted to play a sport and was encouraged to find a non-contact sport. So she started playing squash, a racquet sport played in an indoor court. But the pandemic quickly put an end to that. So she tried golf in the interim because it was safe outside, and she wanted to be out and about in fresh air and only went back to squash when it was safe to do so.

Having started squash relatively late, as a teenager, she knows she will never be a champion or recruited for college. That doesn’t deter her from playing four-plus days a week, often losing matches to younger players. But she persevered because she loves the game and wants to keep moving. Her ultimate competition is herself — all she wants is to get better than she was yesterday.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star student athlete?

Perseverance. The only competition Anya sees is herself, and she just wants to get better at a sport she has come to love.

Keep up the great work, Anya!

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Know an outstanding student athlete? Nominate them as a Patch Star Student Athlete.