MORAGA, Calif. -- Viewed through the sharpest of microscopes, success in college athletics is defined by the number of wins and losses a team finishes with.

In 2014, the Saint Mary's athletic community was reminded that true success comes in many different forms. In fact, through the perseverance of one young man, the Gaels were reminded that sometimes showing up at all means far more than any set of results ever will.

When he stepped on the field Sept. 12 for Saint Mary's home opener against Central Arkansas, Emmanuel "Morro" Sarabia added an important chapter in a story that has plenty left to be written. After being diagnosed with leukemia in 2011, Sarabia's return against Central Arkansas was the first appearance in a senior season two years in the making. It wasn't the last, as the native of Truckee, Calif. went on to make 13 appearances for a Saint Mary's team that won a program-best 12 matches.

The true victory came in the fact that Sarabia was able to don his Saint Mary's jersey at all. Just days after Saint Mary's historic run to the Elite 8, Sarabia was diagnosed with an illness that would take him not only off the pitch but out of school as well. Treatments ensued, and the goal of living a long and healthy life took center stage.

While all that took place, Sarabia continued to hold out hope that one day he'd return to the field. At the same time, Saint Mary's head coach Adam Cooper was clear in his resolve that if Sarabia could make it back, the Gaels would have a spot for him.

That day finally came on a Friday in September. Sarabia played 20 minutes, earning time at forward as the Gaels beat Central Arkansas 3-1 on Garaventa Field. It wasn't a token appearance, either. He went on to make four starts, the last of which came in a season-ending win at Pacific in which Sarabia played a season-high 64 minutes.

Sarabia continued to undergo treatments throughout the season, at times having to miss practice due to the effects. That didn't stop him from contributing to the team that meant so much to him, and just as he did when the Gaels reached the Elite 8, he played a major role in one of Saint Mary's soccer's finest seasons.

"I am beyond ecstatic that Morro was able to get back on the field," Cooper said after the Central Arkansas game. "Even though I wasn't thrilled about how the game was going in the first half, I got choked up when he got in the game. Just to get him on the field was such an inspirational experience."