It has been three years since an injury profoundly impacted my life, and I am proud of the progress I have made. After that life-changing event, I not only regained the ability to ski but also competed in the Minnesota High School League Alpine Ski competition during my junior and senior years, consistently ranking in the top ten. Additionally, I completed my first marathon in October 2024 during my first year of college, finishing the Twin Cities Marathon in 3 hours and 23 minutes. This achievement has qualified me to apply for the Boston Marathon, which has inspired me to pursue the upcoming Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth in June 2025.
Reflecting on these accomplishments post-injury, I am deeply grateful for the expertise and dedication of Dr. Robert LaPrade and his team, who played an essential role in my recovery. I would also like to extend a special thanks to Jake Foley, who committed over a year and 170 physical therapy sessions to my rehabilitation and return to sport. Furthermore, I owe much of my success to the ACE program, Natalie Denk, and Jeff Kalow. Natalie played a key role in helping me build strength, while Jeff focused on agility, both of which were crucial in preparing me to ski again. Together, they made the recovery process enjoyable while challenging me to reach my fullest potential.
During my sophomore year of high school, I was in Colorado training with my alpine ski team when an unfortunate turn on my skis led to a catastrophic injury. I tore my ACL, MCL, patellar tendon, and PCL. Prior to this accident, I had never faced a setback of this magnitude, and the prospect of my athletic future was uncertain. Dr. LaPrade and his team performed my first surgery in November, and for the next year, I worked tirelessly with my physical therapist, Jake Foley. Initially, I was anxious about starting physical therapy, unsure of what to expect. The process was challenging and often painful, but Jake’s unwavering positivity and encouragement made the experience more manageable, and his dedication pushed me to exceed what I thought were my limits.
By early spring, I had made significant progress, but a setback occurred when I tore my patellar tendon once again, requiring another round of surgery. Dr. LaPrade and his team provided exceptional support, ensuring that I felt reassured throughout the entire process. After my second surgery, I continued my rehabilitation with Jake Foley for another six months. His approach to physical therapy remained motivating and focused on my progress, and I always felt that he genuinely cared about my recovery.
I am where I am today thanks to Dr. LaPrade, his team, Jake Foley, the ACE program with Natalie Denk, and Jeff Kalow. The team at TCO has not only restored my ability to enjoy life to the fullest but has also helped me achieve new athletic milestones. I owe my success—earning two state medals and meeting qualifying time for the Boston Marathon—to the unwavering support and expertise of this remarkable team.
