Elsinore's Vanessa Sandoval plays soccer while dealing with diabetes

By: ED WEHDE - Staff Writer | Monday, December 6, 2004 9:27 PM PST ∞

WILDOMAR ---- Vanessa Sandoval is not a large girl, but she plays like a giant on the pitch.

The Elsinore sophomore stands about 5 feet tall and doesn't weigh much more than 100 pounds, but she plays with a tenacity to win the ball at all costs and possesses a field vision that helps her teammates excel.

Sandoval's performance is remarkable considering her stature. It is even more amazing because she has fought an almost life-long battle with diabetes.

"I think I'm able to overcome anything in my path," Sandoval said, describing her strengths on the field. "I just try to play my hardest and win the ball and help my teammates.

"(Having diabetes) made me tougher. It helped me a lot. When I go to soccer, I forget about diabetes."

Sandoval, who has also played baseball and softball and ran cross country and track, was diagnosed with the disease when she was 2 years old after her parents noticed that she drank excessive amounts of water and urinated uncommonly often.

Because the diabetes was discovered early, it hasn't caused Sandoval many other physical problems. She does have occasional minor seizures and wears an insulin pump, but other than that, she's able to lead a normal teen-ager's life.

The insulin pump, which is the size of a large pager, clips on her belt and delivers Sandoval a dose about every hour through a device clipped to her arm. Sandoval said the pump is not at all cumbersome.

"I used to give myself about three to five shots a day, so this is much better," Sandoval said.

Some parents might hesitate to allow a diabetic child to play sports. But Sandoval said her parents have been very supportive and have encouraged her to play as many sports as possible.

Sandoval's teammates have also understood. Elsinore coach Gary Adams said the feeling is mutual.

"Everyone loves her," Adams said. "We nicknamed her 'Button' because she's as cute as a button. Everybody loves her and embraces her.

"I think she brings inspiration (to the team). When the (other) players see what she has to deal with on a day-to-day basis, they look at her, and their problems seem very minute compared to what she has to do every day."

Adams is impressed by Sandoval's field sense, which is well beyond her years. In fact, the 15-year-old plays in a women's rec league against adults.

"She is an excellent passer, she has excellent field vision, and her greatest strength is that she makes everyone around her better," Adams said. "She might not always be the one scoring, but almost every goal we score, she has a hand in it, whether it's the pass, the assist, or setting it up.

"She's the consummate team player. She makes her teammates better ---- a lot better."

Ed Wehde can be reached at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2633 or ewehde@californian.com