Reflections on Amanda Walton's return to the sidelines

Originally a member of the class of 2002, she spent over two years away from New Haven, recovering as best she could from the accident. She returned to the field hockey team as a volunteer assistant coach while continuing her physical therapy.

Caroline Thompson, CC '02 (Forward): Before the accident, I had played field hockey with Amanda for 11 years. We have been friends for 21 years. How, then, can I possibly articulate what her return has meant for me and my team in one paragraph? Two weeks ago, I could not have described to you the feeling I got when I saw the most amazing athlete I have ever known, my teammate of 11 years, unable to pick up a stick to receive the balls I used to pass to her, knowing that she used to put them in the goal no matter what.

After the first game of the season, losing in overtime to the University of New Hampshire, I cried for the two-hour bus ride back to Yale. I cried for Amanda, and for not being able to do anything for her. Then, I suddenly stopped and realized how utterly selfish I was being.

Amanda has never, ever dwelled on what she cannot do. And she certainly does not dwell on what she can no longer do. She has competed against the ultimate opponent and won. And now she is back to share her willpower with us.

She has tackled her job as assistant coach with the same intense devotion and drive that she had as a player, and her mere presence on the sidelines is more inspiring than any pre-game speech or fight-song.

And I am only one of many who are fortunate to know Amanda and feel her energy. Even my teammates who have only recently met her sense that she has a desire above-and- beyond our own.

COURTESY SPORTS PUBLICITY The return of Amanda Walton has reminded players that no obstacle is impossible to overcome

My teammates, even the ones who didn't have a chance to play with Amanda, agree that her presence constantly amazes and inspires us. She is truly a one-in-a-million spirit. We strive to be at the level that her strength and energy is. She is the most courageous and determined person that we've ever met.

Without any doubt, Amanda's influence stretches far beyond the boundaries of our field. She really has shown us that the desire to win in games carries over to far greater challenges in life, a mentality that we should all be so fortunate to have.

Kara Newsburg, PC '02 (Defender): Amanda's decision to return is an important signal of how far she has come, both physically and emotionally. Not only is she physically able to travel for our games and participate on the sidelines (and to take steps, after every game, with Coaches Pam Neiss and Ainslee Lamb), but she can emotionally handle watching games that she would, in vastly different circumstances, be playing in.

The difficulty of this knowledge could, to anyone else, be nothing other than heartbreaking. But she is able to rise above this—a testament to the strength of her and her family.

Tovia Martirosian, CC '02 (Mid-fielder): Amanda Walton was talented. She could collect a ball fed to her in front of the goal, spin while avoiding two defenders marking her, and put a hard shot on the goal. This is without saying that the majority of her shots flew past the goalie.

But what I remember more vividly is Amanda's intense game face and her enormous amount of desire. Her passion and the strength of her fight were contagious among her teammates.

I think this is the greatest gift Amanda has given to our team. She continues to show this same desire, but now from the sideline. It is just as strong now, if not stronger.

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