Jun 24, 2016
patient story
Carmen Asman
injury and illness can't stop soccer star
soccer star
It’s not in Carmen Asman’s nature to sit still. Even as young as 5 years old, the soccer field was like a second home to this junior at Beavercreek High School. She plays on her school team and for Ohio Galaxies FC. “I really love soccer,” Carmen says. “I can’t imagine life without it. But I also work harder than anyone else because I know I have a lot to prove.”
“Carmen doesn’t have the best luck when it comes to injuries and illness,” jokes her mom, Angie. “We are thankful that we have Dayton Children’s so close to home – because we visit a lot! In fact, Carmen has probably missed a week of school every year because of illness or injury, but Dayton Children’s specialists are always ready to help her.”
overcoming injury and illness
Most recently, Carmen came to the sports medicine department for a concussion. Shortly after that she contracted Ecoli, which required a five day stay at Dayton Children’s. Over the years, she suffered a broken arm that needed surgery after it affected her growth plate, a fractured vertebrae, and an avulsion fracture – that’s an injury where a ligament or tendon pulls away from the bone.
On the illness side, Carmen battled back from meningitis, migraines and a cranial nerve palsy that needed surgery to correct double vision. All these trials kept Carmen off the field for periods of time, but they never dampened her spirit.
“All my doctors knew how important soccer was to me, but they also kept me grounded on healing first so I could return safely,” says Carmen. “They were so encouraging. I had several doctors who had played soccer – one at the collegiate level – so they understood what I was going through.”
Through it all, Carmen kept a positive attitude and a great spirit. She supported her team from the sidelines during practices and games when she wasn’t able to play. She turned to cheerleading and track to keep active, when soccer wasn’t an option. She is on the Beavercreek High School Student Council and serves as the junior class vice president. She is a member of the LINK crew which helps new students feel welcome in the high school. In addition, she maintains an A/B grade point average and even volunteers at church.
“Every time I get hurt or sick and have to sit out, I know that I have to earn my spot back. But my doctors, trainers and coaches are so supportive that it just makes me work twice as hard at being the best member of a team I can be, whether it’s on the field or the sidelines.”
inspired future
All of Carmen’s experiences influenced her decisions about her future. “I want to go into the orthopaedic field in some way. All the experiences I have had with broken bones have shown me how cool this area is, and how much a good specialist can help. That’s definitely influenced my choice of career.”
“We are thankful for Dayton Children's neurology, opthalmology, orthopaedics, emergency department, inpatient care, and sports medicine teams who have all been involved in her care and return to play,” says her mom. “Carmen is one of the most positive and motivated athletes that I know. She never gives up!”
