Welcome to #BestOfLax. Help us celebrate the past year of lacrosse by voting in 15 polls spread over the course of December. All voting will be conducted on Twitter (@usalacrossemag), and fans will have 24 hours to let their voices be heard.

For more information — including upcoming categories, rules and more — check out our introductory post to #BestOfLax.

Everyone loves a good comeback story. In 2021, lacrosse was chock full of inspirational stories of individuals making their triumphant returns to the field.

Some overcame injuries. Others overcame genetic disorders. Some even overcame near-death experiences.

Here are the nominees for Best Comeback Story.

For the indomitable spirit that won't be denied.

VOTE NOW in our #BestOfLax poll to determine the Best Comeback Story of 2021.

NOMINEES: https://t.co/eZNZ8d5l9A

— USA Lacrosse Magazine (@USALacrosseMag) December 20, 2021

BEST COMEBACK STORY

For the indomitable spirit that won't be denied.

MARY GRIFFIN

Three days after testing positive for COVID-19, Griffin found out she had cancer. Both of her parents lost their jobs during the pandemic. The family dog died. Still, Griffin remained optimistic, returning to the field after doctors removed a lacrosse ball-sized tumor, her spleen and 40 percent of her pancreas. We’re not crying, you’re crying. Ready Mary Griffin’s inspiring story here in its entirety.

JACK KELLY

1,085 days separated wins for Jack Kelly, the Redwoods LC goalie who made his triumphant return to the lacrosse field just about three years after a devastating knee injury he suffered playing for the U.S. national team in Netanya, Israel. “I didn’t know what to do with myself,” Kelly said. “I’m a lacrosse player. It’s who I am. It’s what I do.” Read about Jack Kelly and his indomitable spirit here.

PETER LAAKE

Laake was hit by a lacrosse ball and went into cardiac arrest on April 16 in a rare but preventable instance of commotio cordis. Spectators rushed from the stands to save the life of the Loyola Blakefield (Md.) defenseman. He miraculously returned to play for the Dons on May 4. In mid-October, Laake even suited up for the 2021 USA Select U16 national team at the Brogden Cup. Read more about Laake and his incredible story here.

JOHNNY MACCARONE

Eight weeks after a kidney transplant, Maccarone — a St. Anthony’s (N.Y.) senior — realized a childhood dream. He competed and won a CHSAA Class AAA championship. Prior to the surgery, Maccarone was playing on about 10 percent kidney function, the result of a genetic disorder that caused a more rapid decline than was anticipated. Learn more about Maccarone’s triumphant return here.