Emma Rex, a tri-sport athlete at Palmerton, could never have anticipated the trajectory her high school career would take.

Rex started strong, qualifying for the PIAA Class 2A Cross Country Championships as both a freshman and sophomore.

She placed 175th in 2022 with a time of 24:00 and improved to 148th in 2023 in 22:20.

She also qualified for the PIAA Track and Field Championships in the high jump as a freshman, clearing 5-2.

In addition, she was a key contributor to the girls basketball team.

But her rise came to a halt when she suffered every athlete’s worst nightmare — a torn ACL.

Rex tore her ACL for the first time in February 2024. After months of physical therapy in hopes of returning for the fall cross country season, she tore the same ACL again that July.

The injury sidelined her not only for her sophomore track season but also her junior cross country and basketball seasons.

Still, Rex remained determined to return.

“I just wanted to compete again,” she said. “The last time I competed was 14 months ago, so I was just ready to come back.”

Rex not only made her return — she tried something new. She debuted in the javelin this spring.

“I had practiced the javelin during the winter before I tore my ACL, but this was my first time competing in a meet,” Rex said.

There was no guarantee she would even be cleared in time for the track season, but her perseverance paid off.

“I had an idea of getting cleared in time,” she said. “Getting closer to the season, I didn’t think it would actually happen, so it was a nice surprise.”

In her return to competition on April 29, Rex placed second in the javelin with a throw of 103-7 — her first official meet participating in the event.

She also won the 3,200 meters at the same meet, signaling a strong comeback across multiple disciplines.

Palmerton cross country coach Mike Horvath praised Rex’s resilience.

“I think the best lessons she has learned from her journey are patience, perseverance and hard work — not that she’s ever lacked in any of those,” Horvath said. “But we’re hopeful this whole experience will bring her to the next level.

“We made her team captain last year because even though she wasn’t running, she was still a positive impact for other kids to be around. She looked for ways to get involved and have fun.”

Rex has been gradually increasing her mileage and competed in a few track events this spring.

Horvath is confident she’ll be ready for her senior cross country season.

“She’s competitive, and I know she’s hungry to get back out there for some well-deserved success,” he said.

“She’s always been one of my memorable athletes.”

Though re-injury is always a concern, Rex said she’s focused on staying healthy.

“I think there’s always going to be a thought of reinjuring it,” she said. “I’ve been feeling good. The rehab has definitely made an improvement in the strength of my knee.”