Sarah McDonell '17 Recruiting Profile

It’s not about the setbacks…it’s about the comebacks. Freshman year I was asked to tryout for the girls high school hockey team. This was an opportunity not offered to many players in the Minnetonka High School program; I felt honored. That same week during cross country my thigh started to ache. I was able to run varsity cross country but something wasn’t right in my leg. I was seen by the orthopedic doctor and instantly life changed for the next three months. I was diagnosed with a stress fracture in my femur. My restrictions required me to use crutches for 3 months, no driving, no hockey. Tryouts only a month away recovery would take 3 months of crutches and little to no exercise, I was devastated. I attended every practice and game doing whatever I could to help out the team by taking stats, managing the scoreboard and any small task that was asked of me. I did not let this obstacle set me back, instead I strived to be  a better hockey player than before my stress fracture. When the doctor finally cleared me to play hockey, I worked hard to be the best player I could be for my team. By the end of the season I had made the section roster, achieving the goal I had set for myself. The following year with only two varsity spots available, my hard work had payed off. I made the varsity team and continued to develop my skills as a player helping my team reach the high school state championship game and earning the most improved player award. This year as assistant captain to the varsity team I will share that spirit of never giving up and working hard to achieve goals despite any obstacles that may set you back in life. Having a sports injury definitely created a set back in my hockey career, but the determination to come back helped to define me as the player I am today.