Justin Watterson’s journey to becoming a record-breaking collegiate hurdler is one marked by resilience and determination, not just on the track, but in the face of life-altering adversity. A standout athlete, his trajectory seemed unstoppable until a hit-and-run accident in 2023 upended his world.

Justin vividly remembers the evening of the accident. He was on his electric skateboard, heading home from work, when a speeding car struck him while he was crossing the street. The impact was so severe that it left him disoriented, with no memory of the moments immediately following the crash. As he lay on the sidewalk, unable to move his foot and his arm in great pain, he was helped by a passerby who called 911. The severity of the accident became clearer when his roommates took him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with a severe concussion and a contusion on the peroneal nerve in his leg, leaving his foot numb and immobile.

His recovery was long and arduous. The months dragged on, and despite his initial determination, he experienced doubt about his future. Would he ever run again? The uncertainty weighed heavily on his mind, turning what should have been his prime competitive years into a grueling battle just to regain basic mobility.

The unwavering support of Justin’s teammates, coaches, and family kept him pushing forward. Every small victory, like the first slight movement of his foot, was celebrated as monumental progress. His comeback was slow but steady, and on April 1, 2023, he was finally cleared to begin light training. Though he redshirted the entire 2023 season, the time spent away from competition allowed him to gain a deeper appreciation for the sport and a renewed focus on his goals.

By 2024, he was back, stronger than ever. He broke his school’s indoor record in the 60-meter hurdles (7.94 seconds), and he claimed the Big West title in the 110-meter hurdles (13.75 seconds), the third-fastest time in his school’s history.

“Getting back on the track after the accident wasn’t just about physical recovery—it was about proving to myself that no matter how hard life hits, I can hit back harder,” said Justin. “Every hurdle I’ve overcome has made me stronger, both as an athlete and as a person.”

Mya Wang’s journey is a testament to resilience and the motivational power of sports in the face of overwhelming adversity. Diagnosed with thyroid cancer just two weeks after her graduation from University High School in Irvine, she faced an emotional and mental battle that proved as challenging as the physical toll of her illness.

The journey began when her grandmother noticed a lump in Mya’s neck. Mya went to the doctor for tests, which revealed an abnormality in her thyroid, leading to the diagnosis. What followed was a tumultuous two-year odyssey that included two surgeries and a significant amount of soul-searching. Despite her initial resolve, the weight of her illness took a toll, both mentally and physically. She struggled with the reality of her condition, grappling with feelings of isolation and confusion.

During her freshman year at the University of California, Berkeley, Mya withdrew from the lacrosse team to focus on healing, both inside and out. During this time, she sought out connections with others who faced similar battles. She found solace in conversations with Mary Griffin, a fellow lacrosse player at Virginia Tech who previously battled pancreatic cancer. This network of support, combined with her own introspection, helped begin her emotional recovery.

Her love for lacrosse eventually pulled her back onto the field. Playing for Team Hong Kong at the 2022 World Championships reignited her drive to return to the University of California, Berkeley lacrosse team her sophomore year. However, just as she was regaining her stride, Wang was hit with the devastating news that some of the cancer remained. The second diagnosis was emotionally shattering, yet her response was one of determination. She underwent a second surgery with the singular goal of returning to the lacrosse field as soon as possible.

Her comeback was nothing short of remarkable. In her first game back in 2023 versus Lindenwood, she scored five goals. She ended the year with 20 goals and a team-leading 13 assists in 18 games.  Last season, she was even better, scoring a team-leading 28 goals and 31 points in 15 games.

Her journey is not just about overcoming illness, but about finding strength in vulnerability, using her love for lacrosse as a beacon of hope, and becoming a source of inspiration for others. Her journey continues as she navigates life with a deepened sense of purpose and an unwavering commitment to both her sport and her community.

“Facing cancer was like walking through a storm I never saw coming. It wasn’t just about surviving physically; it was about finding the strength to face the emotional chaos that followed. I had to learn that healing isn’t just about scars fading—it’s about accepting the pain, seeing my growth and new purpose, and using my story to help others feel less alone.”