Ankeny volleyball standout Aowyn Schrader has likely played her final high school match.
The senior outside hitter has been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in her right elbow and is doubtful to return this season.
“I got a PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injection that hopefully makes me not have to do surgery,” Schrader said following the Hawkettes’ loss to Waukee Northwest on Tuesday. “My doctor says I should be out for a minimum of six weeks. He said I could be back earlier, but it’s a low (percentage). So yeah, I’m basically out for the rest of the season.”
The state tournament is five weeks away. It will be held from Oct. 30-Nov. 2 at Xtream Arena in Coralville.
Schrader, a Middle Tennessee State recruit, said she initially hurt her elbow over the summer.
“The first time I felt it was at nationals for club,” she said. “I was blocking, and the girl hit it into my hand, and I hyperextended (the elbow). I didn’t think it was too bad.”
Schrader did not play in Ankeny’s season opener at Dowling Catholic on Aug. 22, but returned to the lineup later that week and played in 10 matches for the Hawkettes, recording 71 kills and a .237 hitting percentage. She also had 15 blocks and 19 digs.
In her final match at Johnston on Sept. 5, Schrader delivered the final kill as Ankeny prevailed in five sets. However, she had already reinjured the elbow.
“I went up to block again, and it hurt really bad,” she said. “It never got better so that’s why I got the MRI. The doctor said it was an overuse injury.”
Schrader helped Ankeny to the Class 5A state title as a freshman in 2020. She was named to the all-tournament team.
Schrader earned all-state honorable mention in 2021, then was selected to the Class 5A all-state second team as a junior. She has recorded 855 career kills.