Manners spent most of her childhood overseas. She lived in Czechoslovakia from when she was one years old to when she was four years old. Then she and her family came back to the United States where they lived until she was six years old. After that, her father took another job, which relocated the family to Jordan for three years.

"I enjoyed living in Jordan a lot because I got to experience a new culture," Manners says. "I liked the atmosphere and the food was great."

Because she moved around so much as a child, Manners never had the chance to get involved in any particular activity or sport. Her opportunity came in 1998, when the Manners family returned from Jordan.

"I started out playing [soccer] for recreational leagues," Manners says. "It was fun. When I play soccer, I forget all the other worries I have."

Manners played on the Kingsview Middle School soccer team. As a seventh grader, it was clear she was a talented player, as she played in every game. But in her second year of playing on the Kingsview Middle School soccer team, Manners injured her leg in the second quarter of the first game while playing mid-field.

"During my first game, when I was about to play, my leg went backwards," Manners says. "I had to wear a cast for about one month."

As a result of this injury, Manners was out for more than half of the season. Not being able to play or exercise for a long time caused her to lose her speed and endurance.

"I worked really hard over the sumer in running and playing," Manners says. "I got into shape with my sister, who helped me a lot with soccer."

On August 15, in shape, and filled with determination, Manners arrived at soccer try-outs. She ended up making the varsity team.

"I was really surprised because I didn't at all think that I would make varsity," Manners says.
After soccer try-outs, Manners continued to work hard, improving her skills in dribbling and shooting.
In the first game of the season, against Wootton, Manners was put in as a mid-fielder. As Manners dribbled the ball across the field she did not realize that two defenders were coming at her from both sides.

Unfortunately, both of Manners' opponents tried to kick the ball at the same time, both missing and instead kicking Manners' leg out of position, tearing her Anterior Cruciate Ligament [ACL], she kept on playing until the pain grew so unbearable that she called herself out.

"I went into surgery on October 16 for my leg because my ACL was torn, and then afterwards I had to wear a leg brace for about three months," Manners says. "I went to physcial therapy four times a week after my surgery for about three months."

"Before her injury, [Manners] was playing very well considering, she is a freshman,." varsity soccer coach Margaret Keiller says. "At the time of her injury, she was playing quite well in mid-field and even though she was not a starter, I was in no rush to take her out."
Recovered from her injury, Manners now does whatever she wants: jumping, running, working out, and even playing soccer. If her leg feels up to the challenge and she obtains permission from her doctor, Manners intends to play on varsity next year.

"Coming back from this injury wasn't easy, but my parents have always taught me to do my best and never give up," Manners says.