The commitment and strength of an athlete can often be tested in the face of adversity. For senior Kylie Hallam, adversity came in the form of an injury and a surgery that left the varsity hockey player unable to play sports for six months. Unfortunately, for adversity an injury was no match for Hallam.

The injury occurred back in April 2014. While playing in a lacrosse game, Hallam twisted her knee and ended up tearing her ACL. A month later she went under surgery and was unable to play soccer, lacrosse or her beloved hockey for months.

“It was really hard for me not to play hockey.  It felt like a piece of me was missing,” recalled Hallam. She said that though coming back was physically tolling, it was emotionally relieving.

“I just love the game. It makes me forget about all my problems,” shared Hallam. She certainly doesn’t lack passion for the sport. Varsity coach Peter Nugnes said her enthusiasm is why Hallam makes a great player.

“She is the first player at practice, she is always the first player in line for drills and I honestly feel that her first priority is to the team,” said Nugnes. “Her teammates have respect for her because of her positive attitude and enthusiasm.”

As for her success, Hallam credits a lot of it to her dad who always encouraged her to practice and try her best since she first started playing in the fifth grade.

“He pushed me to strive for success,” said Hallam. While the defense player is quick to praise her family, coaches, and teammates, she recognizes that credit should be given where credit is due, “I practice all the time and work really hard.”

Nugnes couldn’t agree more. “People don’t know how hard this kid worked to be a part of this team this season. She was cleared by her doctor to skate with contact the Friday before tryouts.  She is the toughest girl I know.”

Tough, passionate and ambitious. Three words that perfectly embody Kylie Hallam and her relationship with hockey. When asked about her future with hockey, Hallam had nothing to say about herself personally but only a goal for her team. Which makes perfect sense because, for Hallam it is all about the team.

“I hope that we make it to states. I think we can,” Hallam shared as she curled her fist and tapped it to the table. “Knock on wood.”