DeMaria speaks with SU student-athletes on perseverance, drive to succeed

SALISBURY, Md. – January 24, 1992. Some Salisbury University student-athletes weren’t even born yet, but it was a day that changed the life of Haley Scott DeMaria forever. On Tuesday evening, the Salisbury University Athletics department welcomed her to share her story with a group of student-athletes.

In 1992 DeMaria was a freshman on the University of Notre Dame swim team, returning home from a meet on that fateful evening in January. The team’s bus hit a patch of ice, flipping over and landing in a snowy ditch. Two of her teammates were killed; DeMaria suffered a broken back and was paralyzed from the waist down. Her drive to succeed and promise to her teammates sparked a day-in, day-out struggle to regain her independence and one day walk (and swim) again.

On Tuesday night, she spoke of her physical and emotional recovery from the accident while highlighting the highs and lows of her journey back into the pool. DeMaria described in great detail what she had lost – two teammates, along with the ability to walk, swim and be independent – but more importantly, she shared what she had gained from the experience: the significance of being part of a team, perseverance and the desire to succeed.

Her message hit home for many student-athletes in attendance. “I think it’s amazing what she’s been through, and how she bounced back. It’s inspiring,” said Liz Filgueras, a member of the 2010 National Champion women’s lacrosse team.

After a recovery which was nothing less than miraculous, DeMaria did indeed swim again for the Fighting Irish. She quickly realized, however, that her level of swimming would never be quite what it was before the accident. DeMaria looked inward to make the most of her situation. “Sometimes when we don’t win, we just need a different perspective.” As it turns out, DeMaria may have never again touched the wall first in a swim competition – but she definitely won.

For more information about Haley Scott DeMaria, please visit her website at www.haleybook.com.