Bri Wills was at a friend’s house this week when someone pulled out a soccer ball and began kicking it around.

The recently graduated Davidson Day star, still hobbled by the leg injuries she suffered in May’s state semifinals, could not resist.

So she got up and kicked the ball for the first time in what has seemed like an eternity for the striker, who scored a state record 77 goals as a senior.

“I wanted to try it,” says Wills. “Just watching was too hard.”

Wills knows she will be watching others play for a while. She reports to Appalachian State Aug. 6, where she will eventually team up with Hopewell High’s Audrey Boyle. Eventually, because Wills will be red-shirted as a freshman.

Recovering from a broken right tibia and fibula and a dislocated right ankle would be difficult enough to do by next spring. But college women’s soccer is played in the fall, presenting a quick turnaround after the spring high school season.

Wills had a plate and eight screws inserted into her shooting leg during surgery on June 1. Despite still feeling some pain, she can now walk in a protective boot and without crutches and is undergoing physical therapy twice a week. Wills will not be able to run for another four months, and it will be another two to four months after that before she can have contact.

But she says red-shirting, while not her first choice, may pay off in the long run.

“I’m kinda thankful in a way, just looking at the positives of it, because I can really adjust to college,” she says.

Wills says the support of her friends and family has helped her cope with what is by far the most serious injury of her career. Facing Community Christian in the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association’s 1A semifinal in Wilson, Davidson Day was trailing for the first time all season when Wills went down, the result of what she categorized as a clean tackle.

“Instantly, I knew I had to go to the hospital,” says Wills. “There’s no way to describe the amount of pain. It was unlike anything I had had before.”

An X-ray revealed the severe damage, and Wills had to be given an anesthetic so doctors could set her ankle. But despite all the pain, Wills says she was not as concerned with her leg as she was with two other pressing matters. While in the hospital, she learned that her team had advanced to the state championship match, and for that, she was thankful. But she also knew every moment she spent in the hospital was one that could be spent on the long road back to Davidson, where Davidson Day’s commencement ceremonies were to be held that night. It was a whirlwind of activity and emotion.

“It was crazy,” says Wills.

Upon her release from the hospital, Wills’ father, Paul, sped the family car toward home. The family arrived 20 minutes after graduation had begun, and former race car driver Dale Jarrett interrupted his commencement speech to recognize Wills. After having her prep career end on a sour note, she had a diploma.

“It was awesome,” says Wills. “I am so glad I got to make it.”

That night, though, Wills says the pain was unbearable. Still, the next morning, her family went and purchased a wheelchair in Mooresville, and they all made the 216-mile return trip to Wilson, where the Patriots won the 1A title with a 5-2 win over Shannon Forest.

“It was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had,” says Wills.

As she continues her rehabilitation, Wills is confident she will one day return to form. Being sidelined has taught her some painful lessons, but at least one she won’t soon forget.

“It really shows you how strong you can really be,” she says.