Zayn Spidalieri '24 Recruiting Profile

Rodent, Reptile, or Rehab?

No one could have guessed how different my path would be as a student-athlete, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

At the age of 5, I was offered the chance to be studied every two weeks like a research rodent. Three doctors debated my prognosis, they agreed to disagree. Was I destined to live like a medical rat, live with a degenerative brain injury like a favorite pet reptile confined in my family’s spare bedroom, or live a fully rehabilitated life? My future was unknown regardless of my decision to be experimentally studied. Not understanding the effects of my choices, I said “No”. Somehow trusting the process of life, I sensed I was capable of much more.

Although I was a child, I knew that I did not want a bi-weekly reminder of my brain injury even after the doctors explained why they wanted to study me. The MRI explained the reason that I was no longer able to read or write and why I was also having trouble recognizing my loved ones. My parents’ hearts shattered wondering if I would ever regain my natural abilities. As my mother explained our choices, I remember struggling to recognize my parents. The fear of not knowing how my future lingered for the next 10 years. The car ride home can never be explained. The most intense feelings were hopelessness and loss. My parents felt as if they lost their son, yet I was sitting in the seat right behind them.

Living like a pet reptile was not an option. I aspired to be a normal kid, hoping to experience the typical joys of childhood. Relearning how to read and write, trying to recognize my friends, not being able to progress in sports, and retaining new information were all challenges I did not know I was going to face. Sports brought joy to my life, but the rehabilitation along with the social and emotional effects of the injury were difficult. To make myself feel better, I ate a lot, and my anxieties led me to stay home. By the time I was 13 years old, I weighed around 170 pounds. The fear of my unknown future spiraled into a depression. One day, to cheer me up, my dad took me out to play golf. It was a day that I will never forget. On the first tee, I striped one right down the middle and fell in love with the game of golf.

Freshman year of high school was the best year, rehabilitation! After years of different therapies and tutors, I was finally independent in my academics. I felt like a normal kid, and to me, that was like standing on top of the world. I lost over 40 pounds, accomplishing what I was told was impossible. I started competing in local tournaments and fought to try to catch up. My philosophy was if the best player practiced for four hours out of the day, I would have to practice for six. It was time to work even harder.

To say I look forward to university is an understatement. My path to IMG Academy, and the possibility of university, may be unique but I wouldn’t change a thing as I have gained a deep appreciation for life and could never take my academic or athletic opportunities for granted. Being on a team is not just another challenge of personal growth. I am excited for an opportunity to support teammates with the benefits and strengths that come with hard work and relationships.

The question of my childhood - rodent, reptile, or rehabilitation - has been answered. I now know I am capable of learning and offering much more. It would be an honor to use my athletics to serve on a men’s golf team and I aspire to use my academics to serve others to create a full life.