Athletes Endure Despite Injuries

The urge to compete, the will to persevere, the need to belong, the desire to be loved—one or more of these forces drive most of the athletes on this planet to continuously do what they do.

These passionate sentiments are what constitute the “glory days,” what many sportsmen consciously consider to be the greatest periods of their lives.

Though virtually all athletes strive for strength, victory, and recognition, many fall short of these achievements, left to rationalize their athletic experiences optimistically and apply lessons learned to future situations and responsibilities.

From a vast pool of adolescent athletes emerge high school athletes, who demonstrate energy, interest, and some athletic ability.

The best of the jocks with the letterman jackets move on to college or higher, equipped with uncommon talent, physical gifts, unmatched work ethic, or some combination thereof.

And so continues the athletic selection process, ending with professional leagues and the Olympics.

Athletes across this entire spectrum have one thing in common: the use and maintenance of their bodies.

The same fundamental tool that allows them to realize their highest goals often becomes their greatest obstacle.

Senior Desmond Mitchell of the men’s soccer team is one of Harvard’s many athletes who embodies this path. However, his reluctance to quit and stubborn training mentality has allowed him to enjoy his “glory days” more fully than many injury-plagued athletes ever get to.

Regarded as one of the fastest high schoolers in Georgia in 2006, Mitchell exceled at track and soccer at Campbell High School in Smyrna before being recruited heavily to many Division I Schools. Contemplating his future maturely, he chose to head north.

“I was actually really hesitant in choosing Harvard,” Mitchell said. “[Soccer] is what I wanted to do. I chose Harvard because I thought I would have the best academic exprerience while still having the possibility of pursuing soccer.”

Eight games into his freshman season, during which the Crimson earned an Ivy League Title, Mitchell’s groin checked out on him and never left a note.

He suffered tears in both his groin and lower abdomen, and endured bilateral abductor release surgery and pelvic floor repair surgery.

Still, Mitchell humbly understates his performance in past years.

“My level of play has gone down because of the wear and tear of the injury,” he said.

Judging from his numbers, body language, and clutch performance this season, that statement is simply invalid.

Perhaps his ease of play has decreased, but his presence and achievements make him increasingly invaluable for the Crimson.

Statistically, Mitchell has had his best season yet. While he has performed well with 3 goals and 7 points, his timing has been impeccable.

He has scored key goals in multiple games, setting the tone for the season in the home opener against Stony Brook, when he scored on a clever chip over the head of the Seawolves’ goalkeeper.

The most recent goal came against Providence on Oct. 20th, when Mitchell gave the Crimson the lead with under five minutes, leading to a victory.

Mitchell’s groin has stifled his hopes of playing in Major League Soccer, a realistic goal when he was graduating from Campbell.

While some of his teammates, including forward Andre Akpan and defender Kwaku Nyamekye, will continue their soccer careers after college, Mitchell’s health will abbreviate his future on the field.

That thought is presumably at the back of his mind at all times.

While such a notion would likely slow most of us down, it seems to speed Mitchell up, torn groin and all. It is evident from his play this season that he is immune to excuses, and addicted to his teammates.

“Injuries happen, they’re a part of life,” Mitchell said. “But at the same time, embracing the collective effort, you have to know your role and do whatever you can in order to give back to the team.”

Mitchell is fully aware of his limitations, and like many athletes, he has dedicated everything he has to the team he loves, and the sport he loves. Despite physical hardship, he has enjoyed a championship, cherished his time on the field, and most importantly, maximized his most rewarding moments.

Regardless of what happens after graduation, Mitchell will be well equipped for whatever is next.

—Staff writer Justin W. White can be reached at jwwhite@fas.harvard.edu.