The story of Edwardsburg sophomore Makalya Shaw is one marred with both trial and tribulations.

However, it is also rich with qualities like: determination, courage, strength, and heart. Everything of which, Shaw needed to employ to complete her goal of returning to the soccer field this season with her teammates.

Just three games in to her freshman season, the Eddies forward broke her femur in a collision on the field.

“I knew it was bad. I remember the faces everyone had when they were looking at me,” Shaw said. “I was really worried that I’d never get to play again.”

As she was being carted off to the hospital with such a gruesome injury; Edwardsburg coach Brett Harring wasn’t sure whether or not he would see Shaw on the field again, either.

“That’s a tough injury to come back from; especially, in our game.”

But that is exactly what Shaw set out to do the moment she left the hospital.

She underwent months of rigorous and grueling physical rehabilitation while keeping her eyes towards the horizon and hoping for another chance to take the pitch.

“I just wanted to get back out there and have fun with my teammates,” Shaw said.

Her perseverance would pay-off in spades, as in the Eddies first game of their new campaign, Shaw recorded three goals, and played nearly the whole game in an 8-0 victory over former conference rivals, Cassopolis.

“It was great to see her out there. She really worked hard to get back on the field, and she deserves to be rewarded after everything she’s gone through,” said a visibly elated Herring.

“I’m just happy to be back out here with my friends. I’ve wanted this for a long time. It feels great,” Shaw said.

There is an old Latin saying that comes to mind when reflecting on Shaw’s journey to return to the field:“ Per Ardua Ad Astra,” which transcribed literally means “through adversity to the stars.”

With one impressive win in the books and the inspirational Shaw leading the way, Herring, the team, and the Eddies’ fans are rightfully hoping that the cosmos will be well within their reach towards season’s end.