Oct. 21, 2008
By Courtney Agnew, Penn State Athletic Communication Student Assistant
Perseverance. It's a word that means many different things to people. But perseverance has proven to be especially meaningful to Penn State soccer standout Jason Yeisley.
Soccer has been a very important part of Yeisley's life. From the time he was three years old, soccer has always been his favorite sport and he has proven himself to be one of the best. He credits his success to hard work and always having a great coach to support him.
"There's nothing that can describe it," Yeisley said of the sport he loves. "I've grown up with it. It's just so relaxing and a way to escape. Even now, I always look forward to practice."
Although Penn State had not been a university he had considered, Yeisley said that after his first visit to campus, his mind was made up. He made his verbal commitment during his junior year of high school and prepared for his transition to becoming a Penn State athlete.
Yeisley, a senior majoring in business, began to dominate the field as soon as he stepped foot on it. However, he has spent a large part of the last few years overcoming major knee injuries to return to the soccer field. During his sophomore season, he tore his medial collateral ligament (MCL). He rehabilitated his knee in time for spring practices, before breaking his foot just prior to the summer.
Yeisley refused to give up and returned in the fall, ready to take charge as a team co-captain. He dominated on the field before suffering another season-ending knee injury, causing him to miss the final seven games of the season. This knee injury was far more devastating than his first, damaging his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), MCL and hamstrings. It would require a year and a half of rehabilitation.
"There was never a question of returning," said Yeisley. "I'd do it again if I had to, but I certainly don't want to."
Despite being forced to sit out his senior year, Yeisley was again named captain by his coaches.
"I felt like I needed to step into that leadership role," he said. "I'd been a captain my junior year so I felt that I needed to step into that commitment for the team."
It's obvious that perseverance is something that Yeisley is personally familiar with, but he has witnessed an even more impressive, and more important, display of perseverance.
Yeisley mentors Adam Recke, a young boy from his hometown area who is suffering from a rare fatal disease called Niemann-Pick Type C, which is often referred to as childhood Alzheimer's. Yeisley learned of the situation in sixth grade when Adam's father served as his teacher. He then became actively involved in Adam's plight when the family began fundraising efforts by organizing a 5K race. His relationship with the Reckes grew when they visited Penn State for a football game during Yeisley's freshman year. He met with them and gave them some gifts from the soccer team, including signed posters and a ball.
Since that weekend, mentoring Adam and his two siblings has become an important part of Yeisley's life.
"I just like to know that I can help them in some way," he said. "I feel like I have the responsibility to do whatever I can by being a role model for them and I really enjoy spending time with them."
Jason Yeisley with Adam Recke and his brother Josh and sister Katie. |
Yeisley visits the Reckes when he's home in Allentown, Pa. He enjoys playing and having fun with the kids. Yeisley tries to stay in touch with the family while at Penn State and talks with them at least once a month on the phone.
He has also been involved with the family's fundraising efforts to help pay for Adam's many doctor appointments and medical expenses. The Recke family still holds a 5K race every year and now manages a website to promote their fundraising events and to raise awareness for Neimann-Pick disease. Yeisley continues to participate in the 5K races and also wears a light blue rubber wristband that promotes awareness of Niemann-Pick Type C.
Yeisley hopes that Adam and his older siblings will gain valuable lessons from him during the time he spends with them.
"I want them to learn more about soccer, but that's pretty minor," he said. "The most important thing I want them to learn about is the value of hard work because that's a really important value in my life."
Yeisley says he has also learned incredible lessons from Adam and his family.
"There's a lot more to life than just sports," he said. "There are so many people who are less fortunate and who have to worry about the little things that we all take for granted. Adam could definitely teach me more about perseverance than I could teach him."
Despite his own misfortunes on the field, Yeisley has been able to focus on his goals thanks to the influence that Adam has had on his life.
"I really think that education is the most important thing to have because you never know when your athletic career will be over," he said. "Unexpected things happen all the time, whether it's a soccer injury or a disease."
Yeisley's one hope is that others will try to help with Adam's fight. The Recke family's website to raise awareness about Adam and his disease can be found at www.raceforadam.org.
Perseverance clearly has a significant meaning in Jason Yeisley's life. Not only does it represent the hard work he puts forth on and off the field, but it is also the official slogan for the fight against Niemann-Pick disease. Undoubtedly, it will continue to be a driving force for Yeisley.