They say there’s a first time for everything. But had you told that to Framingham, Mass. high school senior Kelly Power, she never would have believed you.

Until three days ago.

Apr. 7, 2007 was the date — just a regular spring Saturday. For Power, however, it didn’t quite end up that way. A sophomore at the time, Power and her longtime friend Jess Frary were hit by a drunk driver — a life-altering impact in the mere blink of an eye — in broad daylight, on the sidewalk with no tires, metal or air bags to protect them. A nightmarish horror scene turned real. Like that.

“I remember seeing the car come at us,” Power said. “The next thing I remember I was on the grass, and everyone was around me, talking to me.”

Power was immediately airlifted to Mass General Hospital in Boston, where she stayed three long weeks. She suffered tibia-fibula fractures in both legs, a compound fracture in her left, along with severe perennial nerve damage in both limbs. Walking was no longer certain. Sports? Not a chance.

“I definitely didn’t think I’d be able to play soccer competitively ever again,” Power said.

Neither did her doctors, therapists or friends, for that matter.

By the time Power was released from the hospital, there was no way she could return to school that semester to make up the work she had missed. She was home-schooled for the remainder of the year, and an occupational therapist helped her with everything from getting dressed to showering to making lunch. She had physical therapy four times a week, and somehow, with more braces, crutches and casts (on both legs) than your average emergency room, she ended each day with a smile.

“I just kept thinking that everything would work out,” she said.

If only it were that easy.

After a summer full of frustration and rehabilitation, Power returned to school the following fall. With her dream of playing varsity soccer more of a fantasy than reality, Power still contributed as the Flyers’ team manager. It didn’t compare to actually being out there on the field, but it was a nice consolation prize for the struggling junior.

But as the school year continued, Power’s health began to increase, and her perseverance in physical therapy began to pay dividends. By the time calendars were flipped to June, she lightly began kicking the ball again, and the chances of her making the team three months later were becoming less and less of a long shot. Her best friend, Chrissy Mooney, would take her to the local track during the summer, and as the dog days wore on, Power began participating in regular drills during the team’s “turf time” every Thursday evening.

“I still didn’t think she’d be able to play,” Mooney said. “No way.”

Way. When double sessions rolled around in late August, Power was in good enough shape to try out. If the story ended here, it would be a miracle in itself: Two mangled legs had not only healed in 16 months, but were able to run, kick and compete again.

But it doesn’t end here.

As a hard-working senior, Power made the team, this time without a clipboard in hand. The unthinkable became reality, the impossible became possible, and the naysayers (including herself) were proven wrong.

As anticipated, Power scarcely saw the field this season, her only playing time coming when the games were out of reach. But for Power, being with her friends during their final season together was good enough.

Sort of.

On Sunday, the Framingham girl’s soccer team played Salem in the first round of the postseason Massachusetts state tournament. With the Flyers leading 4-1, head coach Stacey Freda sent Power onto the field. As time wound down, freshman Becca Rees crossed the ball into the box, where it met Power’s right foot inches from the goal line. When she looked up once again from the grass, she had a somewhat different feeling from the one she felt on that Saturday afternoon, 18 months before, less than a mile away. She and the ball lay there across the solid white line. She scored her first varsity goal.

“I wanted to cry,” Mooney said. “It was real emotional for everyone.”

Hundreds cheered on the Framingham sideline. The boy’s team swayed and chanted her name. Power was left in a daze.

“After the game is really when it sunk in,” she said.

Of course, Freda presented Power with the game ball during the Flyers’ post-game celebration. A storybook ending to a long, twisted journey.

“I’m bringing the ball to practice for everyone to sign,” Power said.

As if she’ll ever need help remembering what happened.

Derek is a junior majoring in economics. He gives a special Badger Herald shoutout to Power and the Framingham girl’s soccer team during their quest for a state championship. Have a good idea for a column? Let Derek know at [email protected].