Elena, a homeless teenage girl from Mexico, lives on the back streets of a Texas border city. She is rescued from a life of petty crime by Brian Velasquez, a reporter whose own childhood resembles hers. Adopted by Brian and his wife, Elena is enrolled in high school where her insecurities and inner turmoil prevent her from adjusting. Clashing with the other students, it looks bleak for Elena...until a teacher recognizes Elena's athletic skill and, against Elena's will, assigns her to the track team.