SUPER NOVA: How Saugatuck's Novella DeGraaf battled back from ACL tear into state contention
After more than a year off the track, Saugatuck's Novella DeGraaf is aiming for a state title in the 100 hurdles and a big finish in pole vault, jumps
SAUGATUCK - Novella DeGraaf had the biggest potential of any Saugatuck athlete after her freshman year. DeGraaf finished all-state in the pole vault and was a state qualifier in the hurdle events and both jumps. Her road to perhaps being an elite college heptathlete looked bright.
But before her freshman season, it all came crashing down with an ACL tear during basketball. "It was really hard. The mental side was worse than the physical," DeGraaf said.
"It is really detrimental to your confidence and abilities. I have learned to fall in love with the process more than the winning aspect after being back. It is learning I am not going to win everything.
" But she sure is winning a lot. DeGraaf broke the school record in the 100-meter hurdles last week with a race of 15. 24 at the Shepherd invite.