This story is part of the USMC/AVCA Battles Won Award series. This new award recognizes volleyball players and coaches who are overcoming obstacles, both on and off the court.

Jenna Schulte, Central Missouri Volleyball Player

Over the past five years, Jenna has been through a lot. She has dealt with numerous injuries that have kept her on the sidelines throughout her career at Central Missouri, the last one this fall resulted in her deciding to give up playing volleyball.

Talk about all that you’ve faces with injuries.
“In February 2018, when I was a junior in high school, my mom passed away from cancer around when I was committing to Central Missouri.”

“The first week of college in the fall of 2019, I had hip surgery and was redshirted. In 2020, it was COVID, so we didn’t play, then I ruptured my Achilles running sprints at summer camp before the 2021 season. So, I was going into my true senior year in 2022 as a redshirt freshman!”

“I was fully back and playing, but I still was in a lot of pain. After deciding to stay in the spring, I ended up tearing my shoulder labrum. After doing a bunch of rehab and PT, I got it to where I can play with it and was ready for this season.”

“In early September, we went to Colorado for a tournament and during warmups I blew out my entire knee—tore my ACL and MCL, dislocated my patella, fractured my femur, and took a chunk out of my meniscus.”

“I told my coaches that, if it wasn’t obvious, it seemed like it was time for to be retiring!”

That is a lot; how do you get through it all?
“Losing my mom was definitely the hardest thing I have ever had to go through and, honestly, the injuries pale in comparison and seem so small. The worst part is the physical pain of it, but after having been through some much, I kind of know what to expect and know what’s coming. Between my mom’s passing and all of this, I have gotten a lot stronger emotionally, mentally and am better at handling difficulties.”

“Faith has played a big role in all of this, as well as my family. I would not have made it through my mom passing if I did not have Christ and them in my life. It is hard to go through trials at that extent without having hope and faith.”

After losing your mom, how were you able to refocus and move forward?
“I was raised to believe that everything happens for a reason, and I truly believe that. I’ve met and connected with so many people along that also have struggles. Being able to share my story and gaining a better understanding of what other people are going through has been a big part of my healing.”

How do you feel now?
“I feel at peace with my volleyball career coming to an end because I know my body just can no longer handle all of that stress, and that does give me a bit of closure. My knee surgery went well, and after spending 50 days on crutches, I am walking and preparing for my shoulder surgery. I have a year of rehabilitation still ahead of me, but I know there’s no need to rush because I’m not working to get back on the court this time.”

Is there anything else you would like to add?
“Shortly after my knee injury this fall, I was sitting outside of the locker room with one of my teammates who had a concussion. One of our biggest rival’s coaches came up and asked what happened, and we both explained our injuries.”

“He ended up talking to us for 20 minutes, and it was a great conversation. At one point he said: ‘I hope that one day you are able to run and play with your kids and that you are able to move without having arthritis or always being in pain. I’m sure you know after everything you’ve been through that life is so much more than volleyball.’ ”

“It was really cool to see somebody who I have not necessarily had a great relationship with come up and help me realize why I am here. I am here to be a good teammate and a good friend… now and forever. I really appreciated him reminding me of that.”

 

Check out stories of other Battles Won Award nominees