Written by Clay Yannazzone, NJ Youth Soccer
By all accounts, Bobby Kaupas has been a standout player and person from an early age. At just seven years old, he was already among the top players selected for the Cherry Hill Soccer Club A-Team. Fast, strong and determined, Bobby was a force on the field, until his body unfortunately began working against him.
Bobby was born with Posteromedial Tibial Bowing, a rare condition that affected the growth of his right tibia, ankle and foot. As he grew, the condition became more pronounced, causing a length discrepancy between his legs and a noticeable limp.
“For a while, it did not stop me from playing sports at a high level,” Bobby said of the condition. “I have played soccer since I can remember. I was chosen to play on the A travel soccer team, the Storm, when I was seven. As I grew, the limp became more pronounced, and I decided to change positions from striker to goalie.”
By age 12, Bobby could barely walk. Doctors told him he needed major reconstructive surgery, one that was expected to end his ability to play sports.
“In August of 2023, when I was 12, I had surgery on my right foot to correct how I walked in preparation for my eventual leg lengthening,” he reflected. “I also had a procedure called epiphysiodesis, which stops the growth in my left leg an inch to help even out the discrepancy. I was in the hospital for three days. I was non-weight bearing for four weeks, in a wheelchair for two months and then crutches with a boot for two more months. I thought my soccer career was over.”
But then came a call that changed everything for him.
“In the fall of 2024, my mom got a call from a former teammate’s mom asking if I could join their team as a goalie,” Bobby recalled. “I was nervous and scared, but my determination to return to the sport I loved took over. Overcoming adversity and returning to soccer after a year of recovery from surgery is a challenging yet rewarding journey. With a positive mindset, I embraced the rehabilitation process. Physical therapy became a critical part of my daily routine, and slowly but surely, my body regained strength. Returning to soccer was not just about physical recovery, it was about rebuilding my confidence. When I finally stepped back onto the field, the sense of accomplishment and gratitude was overwhelming. Overcoming adversity has not only made me a better athlete but also taught me valuable life lessons about perseverance and the power of never giving up.”
Coach Dan Morse, who first started coaching Bobby since he was seven, never doubted his resilience.
“During his experience of going from one of the top players on the field, to struggling to walk and enduring major reconstructive surgery, he never wavered from encouraging and cheering on his teammates. During the six years I was lucky to coach Bobby, he had a positive attitude, despite the challenges he faced,” Coach Morse stated. “When I saw that NJYS was seeking Comeback Player of the Year nominations, I knew I had to nominate Bobby. His comeback is exceptional, because a comeback was never anticipated to be a possibility for Bobby.”
Now back in net and back on the pitch, Bobby is wrapping up his first full season post-surgery, proving that the will to fight can defy expectations. For a kid who has spent his entire life overcoming obstacles, this award is more than recognition, it is a testament to his unwavering perseverance.
“My life has been enhanced by being able to play soccer,” Bobby confirmed. “I want to thank my coaches throughout the years, Daniel Morse, John Mueller, Chris Archer and Ryan Rogus, for seeing past my disability. I also want to thank my teammate, Hunter Gick, for believing that I could come back and help the team. This is a lifelong journey for me.”
For his inspiring return to the field, Bobby Kaupas has been named the NJYS Comeback Player of the Year Presented by JAG Physical Therapy. This is a well-earned award for a player who never stopped fighting for the game he loves.
To learn more about Bobby’s incredible journey, check out his interview with Greater Than The Game. You can also view his interview from the Red Carpet at the NJYS Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health.
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