- April 25, 2024
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Jon Kinsler (middle) with his parents Jenny and Vince Photo courtesy of Brooks Rehabilitation
Kinsler' s was fortunate to have survived the collision with this 18-wheeler Photo courtesy of Volusia County Professional Firefighters
Jon Kinsler began his coaching career with coach Rob Bowling with the Ormond Beach Soccer Club. They are now both Seabreeze assistants. File photo
Seabreeze assistant soccer coach Jon Kinsler was recently celebrated with a standing ovation from hundreds as he was selected as the Brooks Rehabilitation Rehab Champion at its 25th-annual Celebrate Independence event on Saturday, April 22, in Jacksonville.
Two years ago, Kinsler suffered a level-2 traumatic brain injury after he was involved in a near-fatal motor vehicle accident with an 18-wheeler, which landed him on life support and in a medically-induced coma.
Upon waking up, Kinsler’s left side of his body was impacted severely, and the muscles in his left hand, arm, leg and foot weren't fully connected to his brain.
“The toughest part of this for me was when I was told I may not play soccer anymore,” Kinsler said. “I would be able to walk but not physically play the game I love and that's given so much to me.”
Before his accident, Kinsler grew up playing soccer. Kinsler’s father, Vince, recalled Jon’s first goal, which was scored against his own team. Vince says that Jon and his teammates celebrated in spite of the goal counting against them.
Jon would go on and complete an illustrious high school career, which earned him a scholarship to Georgia Southern University. He went on to play for the Baton Rouge Capitals in the Pro Developmental League.
After his playing career, Kinsler coached the Father Lopez Green Wave for three years and won back to back district titles in 2013 and 2014.
This past season, Kinsler joined the Seabreeze coaching staff and helped the Sandcrabs win the 3A state championship.
At Brook’s 25th-annual Celebrate Independence event, Kinsler was celebrated by doctors, therapists, former and current players, and other friends and family members.
On receiving the reward, he said, “I’m extremely honored, because so many people go through tough recoveries, so for them to choose me is truly an honor.”
About the rehabilitation center, Kinsler also said, “Brooks has helped me in so many ways, whether cognitively, physically or occupationally. They’ve helped me not only get back to the game I love but my life in general. Many of the therapists worked with me endlessly to get me back to where I need to be to live a good quality life, which I believe I do have now.”
Kinsler hopes that he will one day be able to play again, and I hope I’m there to see him experience the joy of returning to one of his first loves.
