WANTAGH - A Wantagh lacrosse player is in the running for USA Today's Most Inspirational Athlete of 2014.

Caitlyn Kearns nearly lost her leg after a car accident last June.

Through hard work and the drive to get better, the 14-year-old learned to walk again after six months of rehab. The tenacious teen's efforts were rewarded when she took the field again.

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Caitlyn says being nominated was an honor, adding that it's exciting to see all of the other nominees and what they are going through.

Caitlyn's mother says the most inspiring thing about the teen's situation is that she never complained, not even when she was in the hospital.

Caitlyn's travel lacrosse coach nominated her for the national contest.