Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) intern Nicole M. Spiotta wrote a feature piece on Centenary women's soccer defender
Sam Bombardiere and her journey from a cancer diagnosis to being named the CSAC Defensive Player of the Year. Read the awesome story, below.
Growing up in Toms River, New Jersey,
Sam Bombardiere spent her time learning in the classroom, laughing with family and friends, and playing her favorite sport of all time: soccer. Unbeknownst to Bombardiere, her unstoppable attitude would help her become more than just a successful student-athlete, but a resilient survivor of cancer.
From a young age, soccer found a way into Bombardiere's heart and isn't leaving anytime soon. A former Defensive Player of the Year in high school, Bombardiere spent the majority of her time perfecting her craft by participating on her high school and travel soccer teams. Fortunately for Bombardiere, joining her club team would eventually lead to meeting a life-long coach and the opportunity to be a Division III women's soccer student-athlete at Centenary University.
Centenary University provided Bombardiere with a close-knit community and was an ideal choice for college where she would continue her success both academically and athletically. By playing for her former club coach,
Kevin Davies, Bombardiere knew she was going to be challenged on the field. She had her own expectations academically and was determined to perform well in the classroom as well. Bombardiere was both nervous and excited for her new adventure, but one thing was certain, she was one step closer to fulfilling her dream of playing soccer in college.
Freshman year was considered 'normal' by Bombardiere. Referred to as a 'nerdy, old-soul' by her friends, Bombardiere participated in everyday activities, enjoyed listening to music and reciting nearly 80% of every Lord of the Rings movie. She was doing well in school, where she made Centenary's Athletic Director's Honor Roll both in the fall and spring semesters, as well as the CSAC All-Academic Team. Bombardiere played in 18 games and made 13 starts but knew she could be better. After her end of the year meeting with Coach Davies, she was determined to put more time in the gym and becoming the best player she could be for her team. As the spring season approached, Bombardiere started to feel a great deal of pain in her back. After being evaluated, she began doing physical therapy, but it wasn't helping. In fact, the pain was getting worse. It was at this time Bombardiere went to the doctor to find what she hoped would be a solution to her back pain. What she didn't know was this trip to the doctor would change her life forever.
Her unexpected diagnosis became a parent's worst nightmare and a fight for her life. Bombardiere was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and had to undergo emergency surgery. She had no choice but to leave school early to begin her months of chemotherapy. For some, fear is immediately associated with cancer, but not for Bombardiere.
She was determined to beat it and come back better than before.
With tremendous support from the University, her coaches, teammates and family, Bombardiere fought each and every day for an entire year to get back her life. All of Bombardiere's professors worked with her so that her academic status would not be negatively impacted. In addition, her team, led by the efforts of Coach Davies, ran a number of fundraisers in Bombardiere's honor. It was this type of support that Bombardiere's family was particularly grateful for, knowing that their daughter was cared for throughout the entire Centenary community.
When asked if there was a moment throughout the process that she would never forget, Bombardiere recalled one of her worst days in the hospital. She was feeling the worst she had felt, and her family was watching their daughter go through this horrible experience. Suddenly, her whole team and Coach Davies walked into the room. It was one of her favorite days. The balloons brought color to the hospital room, while the conversations around her bedside were familiar as if they were at a dinner table. The love and support surrounded by the memories and laughter gave her courage and hope. Talk of freshman year of college stories and reminiscing about embarrassing soccer moments filled the room with so much laughter that the group was reprimanded by the doctors for being too loud. Bombardiere knew she wasn't done fighting and with the support of her family and teammates a return to the pitch was her ultimate goal.
Over the course of her sophomore year she attended every practice, game and team event. She didn't want to miss a moment because in her mind she would be right back on the field and in the gym when this was all over. Bombardiere always wants to be better and not even cancer was going to change her mindset.
That fall, Bombardiere experienced what she calls one of her bravest moments; returning. Despite having lost her hair and having experienced other major changes to her body in reaction to the chemo, she walked back on campus with her head held high and a determination like never before. One year after being diagnosed with cancer, Bombardiere was back on the soccer field. She was given a second chance and found a true purpose to life. Her experience motivated her to go into the medical field and because the University was so helpful throughout the process, she also managed to stay strong academically. During Bombardiere's sophomore year she was eligible for a medical hardship waiver, which allowed her to maintain the missed year of eligibility. This time away from playing allowed her the necessary time to recover. By her junior year, Bombardiere appeared in 16 games and made 14 starts. She was back.
This past Fall, Bombardiere played in 20 games and made 18 starts. She helped carry her team to the CSAC Championship and the NCAA tournament. Academically, she is performing better than ever. A biology major, holding a 3.92 GPA, she was nominated for the 2018 Google Cloud COSIDA Academic All-District Team. She was selected as First Team All-Conference and CSAC Defensive Player of the Year. Coach Davies sees Bombardiere as one of the strongest players mentally he has ever coached. She saw her situation as this unfortunate event that she had no choice but to overcome and get back on track. In life, it is so easy to take things for granted. Bombardiere showed herself, family, and teammates how something so painful can be overcome with determination, positivity, support and love.
When asked what the future holds, Bombardiere wasn't exactly sure, but she certainly wants to help others in everything she does. She wants to make a positive difference in this world and is hopeful her story can help motivate those in need. She realized that nothing is impossible and wants to show others all of the possibility's life has to offer.
As for now,
Sam Bombardiere is a healthy, strong and happy senior looking forward to her next adventure.
Sam's mother recently penned a letter that was read at the team's annual year end banquet. You can read it
here
