Hamilton handles hardships

Senior Crystal Hamilton has played midfield in soccer, forward in basketball and has been a member of the track team throughout her high school career. 

Crystal said that she grew up playing soccer and started playing basketball through her church’s Upward program. She added that her mom made her play soccer since she was little. 

“The second I could walk, my mom made me play soccer,” she said. 

Crystal achieved honorable mention for the all-star team for basketball this year from PHAC League Coaches. Last year, she received second team for basketball. In past years, she received second team for soccer her freshmen, sophomore and junior year. 

Crystal said she had a couple problems along the way. She said she tore her meniscus in her left leg her freshman year and her ACL in her right leg her sophomore year. Those injuries have been a low point in her sports career, she said. She added that because of her injuries, she had to sit out the majority of last year’s soccer season. 

Crystal said that sports have benefitted her by keeping her busy.  

She said she didn’t have a favorite memory. “There is no memory (in which) I’m just like ‘oh my God’ that was great,” Crystal said, adding that she enjoys playing in games, but she doesn’t enjoy pre-games or practices. 

 She said she had pre-game rituals, but they depended on the sport she was playing. In soccer she said her ritual was screwing around and kicking the ball around before games because she couldn’t get focused on the game until the whistle was blown. 

 She added that for basketball, it was different. There weren’t as many players, so she wasn’t be able to mess around. Crystal said the basketball team had a ritual of praying before every game. 

“Crystal is very athletic and very talented. She has a lot of potential that she can do amazing things with,” said District Athletic Director Mr. Rod Harris, who is also the Girls Soccer coach. 

He said Crystal has battled back from multiple severe injuries and has done a good job getting back to playing on the field. He added that his favorite memory from coaching her was when she scored the game winning goal against Selinsgrove 20 seconds into overtime and won the game for them. 

At first, Crystal said she always thought she would play sports in college, but has decided she doesn’t want to. “I’ve played my entire life, and, like, I just want a break and be able to get my college experience,” she added.  

Crystal said she plans to attend Duquesne University to major in education and become a middle school teacher.