New York City area athlete endured significant obstacles to compete in coveted youth soccer event at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

A New York City area youth soccer player has overcome tremendous adversity on her way to competing at Walt Disney World Resort in one of the top youth soccer tournaments in the nation. The Disney Soccer Showcase highlights more than 660 of the best youth soccer clubs in the nation for a high-level competition during the girls tournament from Dec. 31-Jan. 3.

Dominique Cruz missed more than three years of her high school athletic career after a long bout with epilepsy left her requiring brain surgery just a year and a half ago. After a hard fight to get back on the field, Dominique began practicing again for the U17 Brentwood SC Pride 97 (Brentwood, NY) and, making her dreams come true, returned to the field for the first time since her surgery on Wednesday, Dec. 31 at Walt Disney World Resort at the Disney Soccer Showcase.

Video is available from Dominique’s second game back on Thursday, Jan. 1 in a 4-1 win against the PWSI Courage 97 Red (VA). The Brentwood SC Pride 97 finished the tournament 4-0 after beating Rush Wisconsin (WI) to secure the Girls U17 Premier-Gray bracket championship.