When Joe Russo was five, he was diagnosed with Perthes disease-a hip disorder caused by disruption of blood flow to the femur that prevents the bone from growing. Joe had surgery at age five in which both hips were purposely broken and rearranged so they could grow back properly and he then endured a second surgery on his hips two years later.

After not playing sports for five years, Joe came back to play Premier soccer in 7th and 8th grade before undergoing another surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right hip as a result of how the hip had regrown following his second surgery. This setback prevented Joe from competing for North Haven boys' soccer as a freshman.

But while Joe was dealing with these issues, he was also dreaming of fulfilling his longtime goal of earning the starting goalkeeper's job with the Indians. Following two seasons as the backup and surgery on his right leg last November, Joe achieved his goal as he's been North Haven's main man in net this season.

"It was definitely my goal to be our starting keeper and it makes me feel proud to know I've accomplished that. After all the nights where I couldn't get out of bed and could barely walk, it's a great feeling to know that I can play soccer," says Joe, who's contributed to four shutouts for the co-Oronoque champion Indians. "Soccer is a big part of my life and I push through the pain because I love it so much."

Joe displays a positive outlook on his situation, saying that overcoming his condition "has given me courage that I probably wouldn't have without it." As a result of the courage Joe showed, Coach Federico Fiondella nominated him for the Keith Johnson Adversity Award and Joe was one of three people presented with that distinction at last season's All-State soccer banquet.

"I was surprised when I found out. I just didn't think it [what he had gone through] was that big of a deal," says Joe. "The fact that coach nominated me and that I got that award really warmed my heart."

In his nomination letter, Fiondella described Joe as "one of most admirable players to have ever served the North Haven boys' varsity soccer team," adding that he "has been an ideal role model and leader." Fiondella elaborates on the traits that make Joe a quality leader and an effective keeper.

"Joe is 110 percent dedicated to North Haven soccer and the team means everything to him. He has an incredible passion for the game and I'm amazed by his perseverance. Joe goes through pain, but doesn't like to talk about it because he doesn't want to be treated differently than anyone else," Fiondella says. "Joe has played very consistent this year. He's come up with some big saves to keep us in big games-like our 0-0 tie against Guilford [in which Joe was co-Player of the Game]-and we feel confident with Joe because we know he isn't scared of any opponent. We're happy that Joe is enjoying being our starter in his senior year."

Joe not only feels happy to patrol the goal for North Haven, but to also carry on his family's tradition by being part of the Indians' family.

"I'm happy to be part of the North Haven soccer family. When I used to go watch my brother play, I wanted to be like those guys on the field and now I am one of them," Joe says. "Playing for North Haven boys' soccer is like nothing else."