By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor
It’s been a great year for Sean Daly.
The recent North Catholic graduate was named All-Catholic in soccer and golf this year.
And he did it all with a fractured back.
"The pain started my senior year," said Daly. "I think my back hurt so much from the constant running and pounding on it. We play really on hard on the soccer field, and eventually my back just gave out."
At the time, the varsity center-midfielder decided to keep his injury to himself.
"I put so much effort into getting to that point, and I didn’t want to give up," he said. "So I just played with the pain. It was the first time I ever played with serious pain."
As the season carried on — and Daly’s injury became more serious and agonizing — spectators noticed a difference in the usually energetic athlete.
"I didn’t let anyone know I was hurt, because I didn’t want to go to the doctor. But eventually, people could see I was in a lot of pain. And by that point, there was no hiding the injury anymore," said Daly. "When playing soccer, you’re always running and jumping on the field. But it hurt the most when I kicked the ball."
Despite his best efforts to finish his senior year with the Falcons, Daly had to face reality . . . and the doctor.
Further testing confirmed that the athlete had been playing with a back fracture. Daly’s doctor, parents and teammates were shocked by his ability and determination to continue playing despite the excruciating injury.
"My parents were really sad that I might not be able to finish my senior year in soccer," said Daly. "I tried physical therapy so I could get back on the field as soon as possible. It helped loosened up my back and strengthen other muscles."
Daly missed half of the season because of the back injury. He spent all of that time trying to regain his strength and join his Falcon teammates for one last time.
"Sean is a very tough player," said North soccer coach Jerry Brindisi. "He did a great job for us. He missed some time due to his back injury, but he did what he had to do to get healthy. We really missed him when he wasn’t there."
But the physical therapy paid off.
And Daly got his wish.
"I did get to finish my senior year," he continued. "It was such a great feeling. The pain almost went away at the end, so I was able to play."
North entered a three-way tie with Conwell Egan and Archbishop Wood to vie for a playoff spot. The Falcons came out on top, making a playoff appearance for the first time in two years. The team later lost to La Salle in the quarterfinals.
"It was hard getting it back to full strength," said Daly. "I only played half the year. But I think the injury made me play more with my mind and less with my body, which in a way helped me."
Despite his short time on the field, Daly scored seven goals, helping the Falcons earn fourth place in the Catholic League. He also was named All-Catholic and earned the Most Courageous Player award.
"I didn’t think I was going to get anything, so it was a huge honor," said Daly. "I was very proud. It’s a great award, and I was very happy."
But all good things must come to an end.
"I did more physical therapy after soccer," said Daly. "The doctor said my back would heal, but it’s going to take a long time. And I didn’t want to make it any worse, so I decided to give up soccer."
These days, Daly is still dealing with his injury. But the athlete found a sport that isn’t so tough on his back.
"I’ve been playing soccer as long as I can remember, so it was really tough to stop. I still feel like I want to play soccer, but instead I picked up golf," said Daly. "When I play golf, I’m able to go out and relax. It’s not a lot of running, which gives my back a break. It’s a mental game. I don’t feel my back pain at all. You don’t take as hard of a beating as you do in soccer.
"I can still feel the pain, but it’s much better now," he continued. "I don’t know if it’ll ever be back to normal, but at least now I can deal with it."
Daly continued his success with the Falcons into golf season, when he once again was named an All-Catholic.
"I just like golf a lot more," said Daly. "Everything is dependent on you. It was tough at first, but once I started practicing more, I got a lot better. I enjoy golf. I got so tired from soccer and it was really painful for my back. But golf I can play my whole life."
The Somerton resident already spends most of his free time on the golf course. He regularly practices at the Bensalem Country Club with his friends and teammates.
In the fall, he’ll be heading to the University of Scranton, where he plans to study accounting and play a lot of golf.
Until then, you’ll find Daly relaxing on the beaches of Ocean City or hitting a few rounds whenever there’s a course nearby.
"I had a great senior year," said Daly. "I still can’t believe I made All-Catholic in both sports. It was an amazing accomplishment and an incredible honor. I’m excited to graduate, but I know I’ll miss North — it was a good school, and I met a lot of great friends and teammates there." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com