Dori Savage - Rising from Adversity

Dori Savage’s journey as a soccer player at San Diego State University is a testament to resilience, faith, and the discovery of a deeper identity. Despite facing significant setbacks, Savage has emerged as a beacon of perseverance and purpose, inspiring others with her journey and story.

Savage’s collegiate career began with a difficult challenge. In her freshman year, she tore her meniscus, an injury that sidelined her for the entire season and extended into her sophomore year. For any athlete an injury like this is a significant blow, both physically and mentally. However, Savage chose to see this difficult period as an opportunity for growth.

“I’m currently a junior. My freshman year I tore my meniscus and was out all of my freshman and half of my sophomore year,” Savage recalls. “Throughout the whole journey, I learned to rejoice in my suffering because I knew God had bigger plans for me.”

Savage’s faith and determination fueled her recovery. By her junior year, she made a remarkable comeback, showcasing her talent and tenacity on the field. She played in all 20 matches, scoring six goals and providing two assists, and she was instrumental in leading her team to win the Mountain West Conference. Her contributions were crucial, especially as she scored the second most goals off the bench among her teammates.

“God blessed me to have the 2nd most scored off the bench by any Aztec, helping my team to win the Mountain West conference this year,” Savage says with gratitude.

Savage’s achievements are not confined to the soccer field. Her dedication to academics earned her a spot on the Academic All-Mountain West team in 2023, reflecting her commitment to excellence in all areas of her life. Balancing the demands of a student-athlete is not easy, yet Savage has managed to excel both in her studies and in her sport.

For Savage, her successes are not just personal triumphs but opportunities to glorify a higher purpose. Her faith plays a central role in her life, guiding her through challenges and successes alike.

“My successes only matter when they glorify God; I let Him work through me, so others see His work, not mine,” she explains. This perspective has allowed her to find identity and meaning beyond the accolades and statistics of soccer.

Looking ahead, Savage’s story is far from over. Her resilience, faith, and leadership on and off the field position her as a role model for aspiring athletes and students. Her journey illustrates that true strength lies not in avoiding adversity but in embracing it and using it for growth and positive impact.

As she continues to balance her athletic career with her academic pursuits and personal growth, Dori Savage exemplifies the power of using one’s struggles for good and finding identity in something greater than oneself. Her story is a reminder that success is not just about individual achievements but about how we use our gifts to inspire and uplift others.