Lia Wood selected as New Jersey Youth Soccer Comeback Player of the Year

East Windsor, N.J. ― New Jersey Youth Soccer continues its virtual celebration of the 33rd Annual NJYS Awards today, officially announcing Lia Wood as the 2020 NJYS Comeback Player of the Year Presented by JAG-ONE Physical Therapy.

In addition to receiving a plaque, Wood also participated in an exclusive interview by New Jersey native Carli Lloyd, who is an NJYS Ambassador and two-time FIFA World Player of the Year.

“I am honored to be selected as the 2020 NJYS Comeback Player of the Year,” said Wood. “After injuries to both of my legs, it was a long road to recovery, but I tried to be positive, stay focused and work hard so that I could be back on the field with my team as their goalkeeper. At one point, I thought I would never get to play soccer again, but this injury taught me that you can do anything you put your mind to and to never, ever give up!”

Wood, a member of Northern Burlington Soccer Club, knew her road to recovery from a broken right ankle in April 2020 would be difficult. Unfortunately, her pathway back onto the field became even tougher once she added a fractured left tibia and a left ankle injury to the list as well. However, her desire to return to the sport she loved was all the inspiration she needed. After a positive but still difficult rehabilitation, Wood returned to the field this past September and recaptured her pre-injury form during a Columbus Day Tournament, where she recorded a pair of shutouts and helped her team to an unbeaten 2-0-1 record during the competition.

Despite the importance of helping her team to victory, the perseverance and bravery shown by Wood during her rehabilitation is truly an inspiration for all, and it makes her so incredibly worthy of the 2020 NJYS Comeback Player of the Year Presented by JAG-ONE Physical Therapy.

“All of us at JAG-ONE Physical Therapy are honored to present Lia Wood with the 2020 Comeback Player of the Year Award,” said John Gallucci Jr., CEO of JAG-ONE Physical Therapy. “Lia has shown the most important characteristics of being an athlete, perseverance and strength. She is proof that with hard work, you can always achieve your goals. Congratulations Lia!”