By JOHN GARNER Jr. Cape Cod Times

Laura Marin suffered a devastating leg injury playing summer league soccer in 2012. The 5-foot West Yarmouth native sustained a torn PCL, fractured tibia and shattered knee cap before beginning a long, grueling road back to recovery.

After missing the first five games of last season, Marin finished her rehabilitation and started the last nine games for the Massachusetts Maritime Academy women's soccer team.

"It was a lot of work, but I wanted to play soccer and get my leg back in shape," said Marin, an emergency management major at MMA. "That was my main goal and now I'm trying to provide leadership, especially to the freshman girls on the team."

Entering her junior season, the Cape Cod Tech graduate has been named tri-captain of the Bucs, along with senior Lauren Salem and fellow junior Mariah McGrath.

"They are extremely dedicated to the continued growth and development of our program," said MMA coach Ray Cabral. "They command the respect of their teammates by demonstrating a tremendous work ethic, and will help us prepare fully for challenges that lie ahead this season."

Marin is also a defender on the Bucs' women's lacrosse team during the spring, another sport that relies on speed, agility and athleticism. She is thinking about a career in law enforcement after graduation.

Coming off a 2-12 season, the MMA women's soccer squad welcomes back 12 letter-winners, including All-MASCAC goalie Katie Levesque. The Bucs open their season Sept. 4 hosting Becker.