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Whether traveling across the country or spending every off day on the practice field, Jesuit (Portland, Ore.) midfielder Sarah Bridges is working tirelessly to reach her goals, writes Brian A. Giuffra

A willingness to push their bodies to the limit is what makes many athletes great. But for some, that compulsive desire to be the best can push them over the edge.

Brandon Bates spent the past four years at the Carolina Children's Home, never really knowing his family. When an eligibility issue took away his senior season, his coaches stepped in to help him earn a much-deserved -- and appreciated -- scholarship.

After he lived in 12 foster homes as a child, Ra'Shede Hageman developed into one of the nation's top football recruits thanks to some family stability.

Steele Davis' family was scattered across the United States when Hurricane Katrina destroyed their home, but the sophomore has overcome the odds to emerge as a top basketball talent.

In the three years since Hurricane Katrina forced him out of his home, running back Hasan Lipscomb hasn't forgotten where he came from.

Fort Smith Northside High (Ark.) girls' basketball standout Redd Coleman doesn't usually show much emotion but seeing the wreckage after her house burned down this past week was too much for the junior to handle.

Xavier Prep (Ariz.) senior Emily Adams is a 6-foot-5 volleyball standout who will attend USC next year. And yet, she can't understand why everyone is so interested in her.

Syracuse University sophomore lax standout Liam Banks, a former star at Ward Melville High (N.Y.), led the Orangemen to their sixth NCAA championship with a six-goal effort.