WINFIELD TWP — Everything in Krista Burdett's life is about perspective.

Playing soccer while dealing with constant pain and visiting a third-world country on a mission trip has given Burdett a unique outlook on all things.

The Knoch senior takes nothing for granted.

“It was a huge eye-opener for me,” said Burdett of her recent trip to Haiti. “The American way of life is so different. We get mad if we don't get the newest pair of shoes or if we don't get the latest phone or the latest style of jeans. People there are happy with nothing.

“They barely have a shirt or jeans or shoes. They can't drink their own water because it could kill them. But they are so happy. They smile all the time. They wave to you. They love school.”

Burdett loves to play soccer, but that hasn't always been easy because of a rare condition called Reflex Neurovascular Dystrophy, which causes the brain to misinterpret pain signals.

Burdett was stricken with RND at 13, but was able to play well for Knoch, leading the Knights in goals scored this season.

The RND is largely under control now, but Burdett is dealing with constant headaches, which in part were caused by several concussions she has suffered while playing soccer.

Burdett, though, is undeterred. She recently committed to play soccer at the University of Pittsburgh Bradford.

“RND has really been a blessing for me,” Burdett said. “I overcame it. Even when it was at its worst, I knew I wanted to play soccer in college and now I am. I've been able to go to France and Haiti. I'm happy. I'm fortunate.”

Burdett wants to become a nurse so she can help other afflicted with RND.

She'll get that opportunity at Pitt-Bradford.

Panthers' coach Mike Idland has been interested in bringing Burdett to his team for several years.

She fills a valuable role for his team: an aggressive, physical player who can play defense as well as score goals.

“She has great size and can play with her back to the goal,” Idland said. “She's so physical and strong, she's almost unplayable when she does that. She has great feet and we're super excited to have a player with that kind of skill set.

“She brings a different kind of player to us,” Idland added. “We have a bunch of small, agile and flashy players. She's a perfect complement to them.”

Idland has made Pitt-Bradford one of the rising programs in Division III. The Panthers were 5-12-1 in his first season as coach in 2008, but doubled that win total the next season. The team has won a total of 26 games in the last two seasons.

“I really liked the campus. It's small and homey and I loved the soccer program and coach,” Burdett said. “I'm really excited.”

Burdett said she would be more excited if her headaches would cease and she could begin training again.

Her physical activity has been restricted.

“The doctors discovered if my heart rate rose about 150, the symptoms would return,” Burdett said. “I'm going to physical therapy and hopefully I can start working out again. I really need to do that to get ready.

“I'm a little nervous because I'm playing for something at Pitt-Bradford and there is more pressure,” Burdett said. “I want to play well and help my school win.”