For some, playing without prescription goggles or contacts can be difficult. But for two South Lakes athletes, that is the least of their problems.

Freshman Brodie Edgerton has a form of blindness in his right eye, affecting him most when playing soccer.

“I play center mid and left mid,” said Edgerton. “When I play center mid, it’s hard to turn right because I don’t know who’s coming because it’s hard to look over my shoulder.”

Not only has his blindness affected his play, but suffered injuries as a result.

“Since I have to rotate my head entirely, I have actually gotten hurt from [my eye,]” said Edgerton. “I’ve also pulled a muscle in my neck before.”

This hardship does not stop Edgerton from playing at high levels of club soccer and for the JV team.

“I have never been cut from a team because of it,” said Edgerton. “Ever since I was eight, I played NCSL (National Capital Soccer League) and I have played ODP (Olympic Development Program) and Super Y League. In NCSL, I have played on both Division I and Division II teams.”

Another student athlete facing a similar obstacle is sophomore Karla Kolb. Kolb is blind in her right eye as well.

“When I was in elementary school, I wore special glasses in order to protect my eye,” said Kolb.

Kolb plays numerous sports, including soccer, volleyball, tennis, and swim. She faces different problems from Edgerton.

“In volleyball, I have to hit with my left hand because I can’t see the ball even though I’m right handed,” said Kolb. “I’m not using my better hand. Also, in soccer, I kick with my left foot instead of right, which changes the position and way I play.”

Fortunately, it does not affect her in tennis, which is her current spring sport.

“It doesn’t really affect me when I’m playing tennis, only soccer,” said Kolb.