Mya Rosa definitely could feel Marli Jacobus’ pain.

Rosa understood her close friend’s obsession for cross country and track, and knew she had to try and alleviate her misery.

“Marli was devastated,” deadpanned Rosa. “Running is one of the most important things in her life and when she called me after her doctor’s visit, I could hear her crying and I knew she needed words of encouragement.”

In her cross country season last season as a junior, Jacobus suffered an extensor tendinitis in her right foot. As a result, Jacobus had her right foot in a boot, and she only ran in the final few meets.

It proved to be a nightmarish experience. Jacobus suddenly saw her running future slowly slipping out of her grasp.

“It was devastating!” exclaimed Jacobus. “I was so excited to prove myself even better than my sophomore year and when I heard from the doctor that I would have to sit out of competition and practice it felt like all of my goals had been crushed. I missed running so bad that I kept asking my coach if I could run despite the pain and doctor’s orders.”

Yet, Jacobus did remain an active team member.

“Sadly last year, I went through the hardest heartbreak of my athletic career where I was out the whole season due to I was put in a boot and missed all but the last two meets of the season,” reminisced Jacobus. “I still showed up to practice and would take my boot off to go on the bike or do special workouts in our St. Luke’s training room. I would also see the doctor as much as possible to try and get cleared faster.”

Dealing with her situation wasn’t easy, but Jacobus never has any doubts about veering off course.

“I was very frustrated when this all happened,” emphasized Jacobus. “But it never made me want to quit. I just wanted to get back to racing.”

Like a true friend, Rosa remained at her side.

“I helped her when she was in her boot and I would also be with her during the exercises that the trainers were making her do to try and get better,” recalled Rosa. “Once she was healed, I tried to motivate her to get back in running shape and not let fears of the old injury stop her from continuing her passion.”

In her freshman year, Jacobus admittedly was adjusting to her new sport. The following year, she discovered cross country would be her forte. She hit her personal best of 22:10 during that season.

“I think freshman year I was still getting the hang of it, it was my first year ever running,” reflected Jacobus. “However I still made varsity and by the end of freshman year was in the top three girls range. Sophomore year was my peak so far I would say. I was running back to back PR’s and wasn’t far off from making states, and my drive and motivation was at its high.”

Despite not being able to run, Jacobus found some other outlets, placing more emphasis on her studies and clubs.

“I honestly just focused more on school and clubs,” emphasized Jacobus. “It helped since I wasn’t able to participate in my main passion.”

During track season the summer, Jacobus worked diligently to regain her form in her final high school season. She plans to continue running in college, whether it be for a team or a club.

“It definitely set me back a lot which made me need to work harder during track season and the summer before this cross country season,” noted Jacobus. “I’ve been pushing myself and trying to get to a better spot than I was before my injury.

Aside from the physical rehabbing, Jacobus also recognized the mental aspect of the sport.

“I worked on my mindset in particular and reminded myself to ignore any pain or negative thoughts and to just push myself to make my goals,” said Jacobus. “I am a senior so this season I really want to prove myself as much as possible with as many PRs (personal records) and improvements as I can while making my coach proud of me.”

Head coach Brandon Hampton is happy to see Jacobus back where she belongs. He also has high expectations for her performance and her leadership abilities.

“She is healthy this year after dealing with an injury that kept her out most of last year, and we have high expectations for this season,” beamed Hampton. “She’s been putting in some solid work during both our team practices and on her own this summer. After a good and healthy track season, we’re expecting her to lead the girls team and leave it all out there her senior year.”

Rosa is confident her friend will make an impact this fall in the sport she loves.

“I keep reminding her that she still has her senior year to prove herself and to try and make states,” said Rosa. “As long as she listens to the doctors and her coaches, everything will work out.”