Alyssa Threde excels in softball after knee surgeries

Alyssa Threde, a senior softball player from Wauconda, faced a tough two years with three knee surgeries. Her journey began in August 2022 when she tore the meniscus in her right knee, leading to two operations by January 2023. Just a month after her second surgery, she tore the meniscus in her left knee and needed another surgery. Threde described this period as "the most challenging" experience of her life. She often felt overwhelmed and feared she may never play softball again. Despite her doubts, she returned to the field just in time for the first game of 2023. She played first base instead of her usual position and had a solid performance, hitting .309 as the Bulldogs made it to the Class 3A sectional finals. Last season, Threde excelled at shortstop, boasting a batting average of .392 with two home runs, eight doubles, and 21 RBIs. Her coach, Tim Orisek, praised her resilience and hard work throughout her recovery. Teammates also noticed how quickly she adapted back to the game. Players described Threde as not just a skilled athlete but also an inspiring leader. Her ability to analyze pitchers and share insights has been valuable for the team. As the Bulldogs prepare for the current season, Threde is determined to help them win against rival Antioch, a team that has dominated the conference in recent years. She encourages her teammates to embrace mistakes and keep pushing forward.