Chippewa Valley Times

Alli Schoenrock, a senior on her college's women's softball team, found her life altered after a severe injury during her sophomore year. As a dedicated student of Operations & Supply Chain Management, Schoenrock was an active participant in TRIO Student Support Services. Her commitment to both academics and athletics was evident across all she pursued.

On April 24, 2023, while playing shortstop, Schoenrock experienced a life-threatening injury. Recalling the incident, she said, "I was starting at shortstop when a ground ball was hit to my forehand/glove side. It was at an awkward distance, and I remember thinking for a split second whether to dive for it or keep running. I ended up taking a larger stride than usual, and my foot got stuck in a hole in the compacted dirt. As soon as it got stuck, I heard a loud 'pop' and immediately fell to the ground, screaming. My right knee bent completely backward. Fortunately, I didn't feel pain right away because of the adrenaline, but there was a lot of pressure, and I couldn't move my leg properly."

As a result of the injury, Schoenrock damaged the tip of her fibula, tore her ACL, and suffered from severe nerve damage hindering signals to her foot and ankle. Reflecting on the recovery process, she commented, "The toughest moments were more mental than physical. Physically, relearning how to walk and regaining strength in my foot and ankle was grueling, but the bigger challenge was adjusting to my new reality."

Support from her family, friends, and teammates proved invaluable during her recovery. "My support system was incredible. My family, friends, teammates, and especially my mom and boyfriend, Dillon, were there for me through the good, bad, and ugly. Their encouragement helped me get through it all, and I'm so thankful for them," Schoenrock stated.

After significant effort in rehabilitation, Schoenrock made a return to the softball field on March 9, 2025. She described her first at-bat during the NFCA Leadoff Classic Tournament in Georgia as "unforgettable," despite not making a successful hit, due to the support from her teammates and family.

Approaching her final season, Schoenrock aims to appreciate every opportunity. She remarked, "My goal is to outwork and outplay my teammates for a starting spot again, but I'll be their loudest cheerleader if they beat me out for it. I'm going into every moment with the mindset that I'll make the most of the time I have left as a collegiate athlete."

Schoenrock's journey exemplifies resilience and determination, elements she hopes to pass on to other athletes facing similar adversities. "For anyone facing a similar challenge, my advice is to ignore negativity," she advised. "Hope can be powerful if it's grounded in realistic goals. Focus on small victories and believe in yourself—you're capable of more than you think."

Her story underlines that determination and perseverance can lead to overcoming significant challenges, and she embodies the spirit of her college’s athletics program. "Competing means so much more to me now. It gives me closure and a sense of pride in my journey. Being part of the Blugold family is a privilege, and I'm grateful to contribute to our team's culture."