Every high school athlete dreams of reaching their full potential. For some, that means competing at the highest levels of college sports. For Bella Bonadonna, a multi-sport athlete from the Academy of Holy Angels, that dream nearly slipped away due to recurring injuries. But, with determination and the power of performance data, Bella turned setbacks into a comeback that ultimately earned her a spot as a Division I athlete.
Early in her high school career, Bella stood out in both track and soccer, showing the kind of drive and potential that could take her to the next level. Unfortunately, like many young athletes pushing themselves to excel, she faced injuries along the way. These setbacks slowed her down at times, but they never completely stopped her from chasing her dream of competing in college athletics.
However, heading into her senior year at the Academy of Holy Angels, she became equipped with a tool to take her to the next level.
In late August, before the start of her senior soccer season, the Academy of Holy Angels made a game-changing decision to partner with Human Powered Health. Through a series of preseason and in-season performance tests, student-athletes had access to detailed insights into their health and athletic performance.
The testing lineup included VO2 max, Force Plate analysis and Wingate tests. Each assessment offered valuable data to optimize their performance and prevent injuries.
In addition to preseason assessments, Bella and her teammates participated in weekly Force Plate retests throughout the season. These quick check-ins allowed coaches to monitor recovery rates and identify signs of fatigue. Like many young athletes, Bella had a habit of pushing through soreness or minor pains, often heading into practices without giving her body enough time to recover.
But with real-time data from the Force Plates, the Human Powered Health physiologists could spot fatigue early. This enabled coaches to tailor Bella’s training and practice plans, taking a smart, science-backed approach to injury prevention and overall performance.
The fall testing gave Bella a solid baseline for key metrics like strength, power output, stamina and muscle imbalances. Using this information, she built a personalized winter workout plan that set her up for success in the spring track season. Her training paid off, and she came into the track season stronger and more prepared than ever.
During the spring track season, Bella benefited from the same testing protocol as her soccer team, including the weekly Force Plate check-ins. As a result, she was able to stay healthy, recover efficiently and bring her best to every meet. The season ended on a high note, with multiple relay teams and individual athletes, including Bella, qualifying for the state tournament after standout performances at sections.
After helping her soccer team secure a second-place finish in the Minnesota Girls High School Soccer State Tournament and earning multiple podium spots at the state track meet, Bella left no doubt that she was ready for the next level. Her performance at the track state tournament not only turned heads, but it also opened doors. Right there, on the spot, scouts from the University of St. Thomas offered her an athletic scholarship.
St. Thomas, a fast-rising Division I program located in St. Paul, Minnesota, has been making waves since moving up to the D-I level in 2021. With several of their athletic programs already gaining national recognition, Bella’s offer was a clear sign that her talent and dedication were being noticed by some of the top up-and-coming programs in the country.
Bella’s scholarship stands as a reward for her perseverance. Where injuries once threatened to hold her back, Bella trusted the process, leaned into performance data and rebuilt her foundation with a smarter, more intentional approach.
We’re proud of Bella for her hard work and are honored to play a small role in bringing her athletic dreams to life!
To hear Bella’s full story, watch the video below!
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