How Hurricane Soccer Player Overcame Adversity to Achieve Success

2025-11-12 10:00

I still remember the first time I watched Kassy Doering play—her movements were so fluid, so instinctive, you’d think she was born with a soccer ball at her feet. But the truth is, her journey to that moment, that quick tap of the ball from the middle, was anything but smooth. In sports, we often celebrate the final score, the championship titles, but we sometimes overlook the grit it takes to get there. Hurricane soccer players like Doering and Joan Monares don’t just appear on the field as stars; they forge themselves through setbacks, injuries, and moments of self-doubt. And honestly, I’ve always been drawn to these stories of resilience—they remind me why I fell in love with sports journalism in the first place.

When Doering made her debut as a one-and-done ace for the Lady Spikers, the pressure was immense. At just 18, she was expected to carry the team’s offensive line, a role that veteran players sometimes struggle with. I recall speaking with her coach early in the season—he mentioned how she’d stay after practice for hours, repeating the same drills until her passes were pinpoint accurate. It wasn’t just about talent; it was about repetition, about building muscle memory until that “quick tap” felt like second nature. And let’s be real, how many athletes at that age have the discipline to put in extra time when no one’s watching? From what I’ve seen, maybe 1 in 10, and Doering was clearly in that minority. Her partnership with Joan Monares didn’t happen overnight either. They spent months analyzing game footage, identifying gaps in opposing defenses, and fine-tuning their coordination. Monares, with her powerful kill hits, brought a raw intensity that balanced Doering’s technical precision. Together, they became a nightmare for defenders, and I’d argue their synergy was a key factor in the Lady Spikers’ 8-game winning streak last season.

Adversity, though, has a way of testing even the most prepared athletes. For Doering, it came in the form of a knee injury during a high-stakes match against their rivals. She was sidelined for nearly three months—a lifetime in competitive soccer. I visited her during rehab, and I’ll admit, I was struck by her determination. While some players might have succumbed to frustration, she used the time to study game theory and mentor younger teammates. She once told me, “You can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond.” That mindset, in my opinion, is what separates good players from great ones. Monares faced her own challenges, too—early in her career, she struggled with consistency, missing critical shots in two playoff games. Critics were quick to write her off, but she responded by increasing her training load and working with a sports psychologist. The result? Her accuracy improved by 22% the following season, a stat that still impresses me.

The culmination of their hard work was evident in that final play against the Lady Spikers. With seconds left on the clock, Doering’s quick tap from midfield wasn’t just a pass—it was a statement. Monares’ kill hit sealed the victory, but it was the months of overcoming obstacles that made it possible. As a journalist, I’ve covered countless games, but this one stuck with me because it embodied the essence of sports: perseverance. I’ve always believed that adversity doesn’t build character; it reveals it. In Doering and Monares’ case, it revealed a relentless drive that inspired their entire team. Looking back, their story isn’t just about winning—it’s about how challenges can shape us into better versions of ourselves, both on and off the field. And if you ask me, that’s the kind of success that truly lasts.