New Jersey teen's miracle recovery brings her back to the volleyball court
HILLSBOROUGH, New Jersey (WABC) -- Like many high school seniors, Aileen Xue is anxiously awaiting college decisions this month.
The Hillsborough High School student-athlete hopes to major in psychology and use her own journey, one her family calls a miracle, to one day help others.
For Xue, every bump, set and dig represents more than volleyball skills. They symbolize hope, perseverance and strength.
"The love she has for the sport, the time she puts in, the passion she has for it," said Cheryl Iaione, Hillsborough coach.
In March 2024, Xue seemed to have her future laid out: an offer to play volleyball at NYU and an invitation to join Taiwan's Under-18 national team.
But on the evening of March 15, everything changed. After spending time with friends, she didn't return home, and her parents couldn't reach her.
"I dialed Aileen's phone more than 20 times," her father, Stephen Xue, said. "Finally, someone answered and said, 'This is the policeman, and they have a serious accident.'"
First responder Bryan Hermann, who was off duty, came upon the crash.
"We came across a single-car accident," he said. "I walked up, she's not, Aileen, on the ground."
To her family, his presence was nothing short of lifesaving. "The presence of Bryan... another miracle," said Ning Lee, Aileen's mother.
Xue spent more than 200 days in the hospital and underwent six brain surgeries. She had to relearn everything: walking, talking, eating. "It was almost like I was a baby," she said. "My mom has shown me videos, and I've seen the first time I ever spoke again." Her mother added, "She literally started everything like a baby. Everything was from scratch."
During her recovery, volleyball became an unexpected lifeline. Her father placed a volleyball in her hand, and to his astonishment, she instinctively passed it into perfect position, despite being unconscious at the time.
"That's kind of amazing," he said.
Her mother confirmed she had no awareness she was doing it. The movement became a part of her physical therapy and helped rebuild the muscle memory she had developed over years of playing.
"I'm super grateful for the impact volleyball has had on my recovery journey," Xue said.
And last fall, she made an emotional return to the court. "She just ran onto the court and was so happy and carefree," Iaione said. "Just happy to be back doing her thing."
For Xue, stepping back onto the court felt like reclaiming herself. "It felt super invigorating, almost like I was myself again," she said. "Without volleyball, I feel like I can't be myself."
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