Local Elgin resident overcomes double ACL tear to return to play

Basketball season is starting in gyms across the country. However, a local Elgin resident embraces the opportunity to practice and play with inspiration. After battling two tears in her ACL in two years, Kendall Schmidt is counting the minutes until she is able to take the court in her senior year.

In November of 2015, local Elgin resident, Kendall Schmidt suffered a serious tear in her left ACL, ending her sophomore year athletic career. Doctors performed surgery and Kendall went through three and a half months of intense physical therapy.

Upon passing the necessary balance and strength tests, Kendall transitioned back to practicing with her team. However, Kendall’s hopes were dashed when during practice for the second year in a row she tore the same ACL.

Following another surgery and rigorous four months of physical therapy, Kendall’s patience was tested. Knowing, Kendall’s desire to be out on the court with her team, her physical therapist at Athletico Physical Therapy, Jeremy Smith focused on treating both Kendall’s injury as well as her mental well-being.

Battling back from one ACL tear is incredible, but overcoming two ACL tears is an epic accomplishment for the young athlete. Jeremy notes Kendall’s story is unique as he has been treating patients for six years and has never had a patient re-tear the same ACL. Jeremy credits Kendall’s strong work ethic and perseverance that allowed her to rejoin her varsity basketball team stronger than ever.

Kendall has an inspirational comeback story and she is now back and ready to play her senior year. As we think about inspirational stories like Kendall’s it is also important to spotlight the supporters like Jeremy Smith – the PT that helped create the recovery and treatment plan helping Kendall on her journey to accomplishing her goal to rejoin her team this November.