By Jeff Herold

Lainey Pinnar is a senior at Ponte Vedra High School. She began her high school sports career by playing soccer. But her time as a soccer player had quickly ended when she injured her knee in a game. Lainey had a tough time dealing with the injury. She decided to turn to art to help detract herself and keep herself occupied. “I’ve always been artistically inclined but when I really got into sculpture was when I injured my knee,” said Lainey. She found that sculpture helped her express and process her emotions and her mental and physical battles. Sculpture also helped her unlock a new chapter of her life. “It gave me a way to challenge new parts of my brain, exercising it in a way. And gave me a sense of freedom that I lacked during the months that followed my surgery.” she said. In a way, sculpture was like the challenges she had faced in soccer. Messing up a project completely or having a specific piece not turn out the way she intended, was similar to the frustrations of missing a shot on goal or not getting that pass to where she wanted it.

Lainey is an incredibly talented artist and has made countless incredible pieces, her experience demonstrates how art can transform personal challenges into opportunities for growth and self-expression. Finding sculpture helped Lainey rediscover her creativity and build resilience, turning a tough situation into something positive. Her story shows how art can be a powerful way to overcome obstacles and find new purpose. 

Although she injured her knee and stopped playing soccer, she unlocked a new door and developed a passion for art and sculpture.  

Pictured: A sculpture by Lainey Pinnar