Carlmont Junior Soha Said has been struggling with severe injuries throughout her whole soccer career, but she refuses to let that stop her.

In addition to injuries, Said has been dealing with a chronic medical condition since she was born.

“I found out that I had severe scoliosis in the third grade,” said Said. Scoliosis is a medical condition in which a person’s spine is curved from side to side.

In the seventh grade the doctor suggested Said wear a back brace until she stopped growing to refrain her spine from getting any worse.

“When I was young I was really embarrassed that I had to wear a back brace because it looked weird and was extremely uncomfortable, but I knew it was worth it in the long run.”

Said wore her back brace until her doctor confirmed that she had finished growing by freshman year.

Unfortunately, the pain in Said’s back hasn’t subsided, but she has become accustomed to it and is able to play through it.

“I love the sport so much and I didn’t want to become one of those people who just gives up. It was hard but, I wasn’t going to let any injury or condition get in the way of something I was passionate about,” said Said.

As a freshman, Said was the top goal scorer on Carlmont’s Varsity team and lead them to the Central Coast Section (CCS) finals.

Unfortunately, sophomore year Said had an ankle injury that caused her to miss Carlmont’s season. Said tore a ligament on the outside of her ankle which took four months of recovery.

“I was upset to miss Carlmont’s season, but I wanted to be healthy for club.”

After wearing a boot and brace for two months Said had to participate in physical therapy for an additional two months.

Said stated, “I’ve learned that injuries are a huge setback, but if you keep working hard nothing can stop you from competing.”

Currently Said plays for Juventus Avanza in Redwood city. Avanza is ranked as the number one team in Northern California, and sixth in the Nation.

Said has been in contact with a few colleges and is considering to continue her soccer career after high school.

“I’m looking forward to playing college soccer, it would be a bonus to have that experience,” added Said.