Comeback Player Series Presented By JAG Physical Therapy
Christine Gloth, NJ Youth Soccer
New Jersey Youth Soccer believes adversity should be acknowledged and celebrated, which is why we have chosen to recognize Stella Kropfl of Wyckoff Torpedoes SC in our NJYS Comeback Player Spotlight Presented by JAG Physical Therapy. The Comeback Player Spotlight was created to honor individuals who have overcome adversity or injury to exceed expectations and return to the soccer field.
After not feeling like herself for months, Stella Kropfl was rushed to the hospital in May of 2023, where it was discovered that she was suffering from DKA (Diabetic Keto Acidosis), a life-threatening complication of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Stella had to spend four days in the hospital, two of them in the PICU, while doctors and nurses worked to get her DKA under control.
Three days after her hospital stay, Stella decided to play in her soccer game with the Torpedoes. She scored three incredible goals, not her first hat trick but certainly her most memorable one. That day, she showed her teammates, coaches and family that Type 1 Diabetes was not going to define her. Since that game, Stella has learned how to tackle T1D as an athlete and manage her lifestyle to accommodate the challenges that it brings to her every day. She has also become an advocate for T1D sufferers at the young age of 10, spearheading an effort to raise $2,500 for her local police department to have life saving supplies of glucose tablets and gels for other diabetes patients. The money has also gone towards informative classes on diabetes for her community. Further, Stella has helped raise nearly $10,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. She has risen above the obstacle of Type 1 Diabetes and has become a role model for all children who may suffer from the disease.
“I really appreciate this recognition, because it makes me feel like all of the extra steps I have to take with this disease are noticed and appreciated,” Stella remarked. “I hope one day to be a role model for newly diagnosed T1D athletes. When I first got diagnosed, I thought I was never going to be able to play well again. I quickly realized that by keeping my numbers under control and eating the right foods, I play at my best. I hope one day I can inspire others to follow their dreams and never give up.”
The perseverance and bravery shown by Stella Kropfl during her journey is a true inspiration for all, and it makes her incredibly worthy to be recognized in our NJYS Comeback Player Spotlight Presented by JAG Physical Therapy.
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