JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Deborah James, an assistant athletic trainer at First Coast High School, has returned to the football field after a year-long battle with breast cancer.
James, who has been with the school for 20 years, was diagnosed in October 2023 and underwent a double mastectomy followed by four rounds of chemotherapy. Despite the challenges, she never wavered in her commitment to the team.
"The end of practice every day, Ms. James stands by that back door, and those kids got to take those cleats off," First Coast head football coach Marty Lee said. "We're coming into the house. Ain't no one bringing dirty cleats in the house."
James, known for holding everyone accountable—from the kicker to the coach—has been a pillar of strength at the school.
"I see our future out there," James said. "Young men that will grow up and one day take the reins of this country."
Her diagnosis took her by surprise.
"I ended up having to have a double mastectomy," James said. "That part really caught me off guard."
Despite the severity of her condition, James said she never lost her faith.
"I never lost faith. Like I said, I know who I serve," she said.
After completing her treatments, James returned to her role at First Coast High School, showing the same dedication as before.
James has made it clear that she intends to continue her work for as long as she is able.
She added, her time at First Coast will be a wrap when she's wheeled off in a wheelchair. Otherwise, she's rocking the Buccaneers blue.