Jack Hyde is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication student assigned to cover Arcadia High School for AZPreps365.com.

For Arcadia High School senior Sadie Schwartz, soccer is never merely a game, it's a calling, a passion, and this season, an even more powerful symbol of resilience.

As one of the captains on the varsity girls soccer team, her statistics as a goalkeeper tell the story: 26 career wins and 16 shutouts in three years in 48 games. 

But the story behind those numbers is one of toughness and perseverance because Schwartz is not just a senior athlete. She's also in remission from cancer.

That means the signs and symptoms of the disease have decreased or disappeared.

“I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in March 2021 after battling pre-diagnosis symptoms for three months,” Schwartz said.

Schwartz had just turned 14 years old at the time of the diagnosis.

On St. Patrick’s Day, she was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Phoenix Children’s Hospital on an emergency basis where she began her cancer journey.

“I underwent many scans, tests and a biopsy before I was given my diagnosis,” Schwartz said.

The next day, Schwartz started her first round of what eventually would be five total rounds of aggressive chemotherapy regimen.

“My condition remained critical throughout treatment, but I responded well despite persistent nausea, body aches and fatigue,” Schwartz said.

According to the American Cancer Society, about 5,000 to 6,000 adolescents between the ages of 15 and 19, in the United States are diagnosed with cancer per year, with 500 to 600 dying.

About 87% of teens diagnosed with cancer also achieved remission, although some cancers have higher survival rates.

“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have,” Schwartz said.

According to the National Cancer Institute, for Hodgkin lymphoma, 13.3% are diagnosed at Stage I. The five-year relative survival for Stage I Hodgkin lymphoma is 92.9%

While adolescence is typically a period of exploration, social growth and academic success, a life-threatening disease like cancer can change that trajectory and replace it instead with uncertainty, physical challenge and emotional pain. 

Isolation is typical for teenagers, as absence from school and social events for extended periods of time can cause one to feel scared and alone. 

“Nobody at my school understood the physical, emotional and mental toll of cancer in the same way that I did,” Schwartz said.

During her treatment, Schwartz said she struggled with feelings of isolation, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result, Schwartz’s social life changed, as she couldn’t go to school but tried to maintain friendships with her close friends.

Schwartz also was worried about losing her hair.

“As a teenage girl, my hair was my identity,” Schwartz said.

Schwartz said her journey was tough and since then has regained control of her life where she had to find inner strength.

Schwartz changed the rhythm of her life in ways she could not have anticipated. 

“She was one of our captains on the girls soccer team. She is always positive and a leader by example,” Arcadia Athletic Director Drew Ammon said.

Schwartz doesn’t recall much of how she was feeling, as it was four years ago, but she does remember asking the oncologist two things when they broke the news.

“Will I go to school again?” Schwartz asked, and “Will I get to play soccer again?”

“In 24 hours I had lost all normalcy in my life.” 

“Going to school and playing soccer kept me grounded, and cancer prevented me from being able to participate in these activities,” Schwartz said.

While she was not able to play soccer, Schwartz still attended her school's soccer games, and the girls all wore headbands with her number on it as a sign of support. 

“Being on the sidelines was disappointing, but I knew that I would be back very soon,” Schwartz said.

Schwartz finished her last round of chemotherapy in June 2021 followed by her final set of scans in September where she received the good news of no evidence of any diseases.

“I received good news, and I was able to ring the bell,” Schwartz said.

Schwartz said gaining remission meant that she was done with her treatment and could return to playing soccer, something she missed dearly said. 

As a goalie, Schwartz has always been a pillar of consistency on the field. She sees the whole game ahead of her and makes the big saves at critical times. Throughout her varsity career, she's developed a reputation for having razor-sharp reflexes and a solid work ethic. Her 26 wins and 16 shutouts are a result of more than just athleticism. It’s the result of years of sweat and grit and mental strength. Schwartz has played soccer for 12 years.

“She never used her cancer fight as an excuse on or off the field. In fact, I think it has made her a stronger person,” coach William Christensen said.

This season was the conclusion of a good high school career. But although her presence on the goal line was impressive, it was her story that meant the most to the people around her.

“Schwartz hasn’t let cancer define her,” Christensen said.

The year after the diagnosis, Schwartz had the opportunity to attend two pediatric oncology camps: Camp Rainbow through the PCH and Campy Sunrise through the Southwest Kids Cancer Foundation.

There, she found a sense of belonging and found lifelong friends who understand the physical and emotional impacts of a cancer diagnosis.

Her strength was an inspiration to players and coaches alike, and she came back to lead. 

And now, as Schwartz prepares for life after high school, her new beginning is already in progress. She's headed to the University of Arizona this fall to pursue a degree in biochemistry and pharmaceutical sciences. 

Her professional path is an obvious reflection of what she's gone through and what she hopes to pay back.

Schwartz also was awarded Charros Student of the Year for Arcadia High School.

“Schwartz excels in academics while leading as captain of the girls varsity soccer team and is a dedicated student government member,” Arcadia High School board members said. “Schwartz is hardworking, kind and resilient.”

The school sayid that Schwartz has pursued a passion for pediatric oncology research through the UA KEYS Internship and continues to give back as a youth ambassador at the Phoenix Children’s hospital.

Her Arcadia experience made a mark, not just on the records books, but on the hearts of her coaches and teammates. Hers is a story of comeback and character, of strength and unbending determination.

Even though her last year of being a senior is over, her legacy remains. Younger teammates can look up to her as a captain, but more as someone who fought against adversity and never lost hope. 

As Schwartz completes her senior year at Arcadia High School, she takes with her a legacy not only of athletic achievement, but of inspiration. From cancer to captain, her journey serves as a reminder that with enough heart, anything is possible.

Schwartz is now three years cancer free, however, she says at her age of 18, her life has been sparked with new fears surrounding relapse and health complications from her treatment.

“Battling cancer taught me that while we cannot control the challenges we face, we can choose how we respond to them,” Schwartz said.