A string of injuries left senior Natasha Jufko on the sidelines for two years, but she’s making her mark in her final season.

When Jufko came to NIU, she was able to participate in every event, but injuries forced her onto a different path. Since her sophomore year, her only event has been beam, and she’s worked into becoming the team’s beam specialist.

She didn’t make her debut for the Huskies until last season, but she did it with style, earning a 9.825 in her first beam routine, achieving a goal that was delayed for two years.

“I set goals for myself each week and wanting to be the best I can be,” Jufko said. “I’ve always been very goal-oriented.”

Now Jufko is coming off a string of career-tying performances against Western Michigan on Feb. 1 and Kent State on Friday, against which she scored a 9.85.

Jufko suffered a foot injury that forced her to miss her freshman year. Following the recovery from that, she injured her knee ending her sophomore season.

Head coach Sam Morreale is proud of the adversity Jufko has displayed over her four years with the NIU program.

“It’s a testament to her hard work,” Morreale said. “I know in her mind there were probably times when she wanted to hang it up, but there was something inside her that told her she wasn’t done. I’m just so proud of her finally being able to show her ability and her quality.”

The injuries forced Jufko to focus on her beam work. She credits her coaches and her positive attitude for helping her excel on beam.

“My beam coach back in Florida was really good, and [assistant coach] Dawnita [Teague] has helped me a lot here,” Jufko said. “You have to go into beam confident. I’m going to hit this routine, and no negative thoughts can go in your head. That’s why I try to stay as positive as possible.”

Jufko is trying to make her last year count. Even though she’s only been able to compete for the last two years, she isn’t letting the injuries affect her mindset.

“Every time I go and compete on beam, I’m just like, ‘You know what? I have nothing to lose,’” Jufko said. “I just have a few more routines left to do, and I’m just gonna do the best I can. That’s where I’m at mentally right now.”

When Jufko looks back on her shortened career at NIU, she said she realizes how much the injuries have shaped her into who she is. She’s accepted the injuries and is happy with every day she gets to spend in the gym.

“Getting injured, it teaches you a lot,” Jufko said. “I honestly don’t regret that. I’ve learned a lot of lessons from that. It’s made me more thankful.

“Two years ago, I honestly didn’t think I was going to be doing gymnastics. I couldn’t run. I was in a lot of pain. Every day going in, I’m thankful for what I can do and for what God has blessed me with.”