Hurt But Still Has Heart: Pabst reflects on a tough start to senior year

By Devin Schooff and Kenna Rooney

Staff Reporters

November 2021

During the last weekend of August, Jackie Pabst tore her ACL, MCL, and Meniscus in the first volleyball tournament of the year. This was sadly a season-ending injury that happened very early on in her last high school season. She has been playing volleyball since seventh grade, so this bombshell was particularly devastating for her and her team. Not only did this affect her volleyball season, but it also shattered her hopes of playing basketball during her senior year as well.

In addition to sitting out of athletics, she has had two major surgeries that have kept her out of school. Her ability to persevere through this massive injury whilst being able to support her teammates shows her ove for not just sports, but the people who partake in them as well.

We had the opportunity to speak with her about her experience throughout these last few months.

What is your favorite part about volleyball?

My favorite part about volleyball is celebrating with my teammates and lifting them up.

Who has been your biggest supporter in the time you have been injured?

I think it would have to be a tie between my parents and my teammates. Both my parents and teammates have made sure that I am doing okay, not only physically, but mentally as well, and they always make sure that I have everything that I need.

How has your recovery process been so far?

So, it has been okay. There are some days when I am really eager and ready to take on Physical Therapy, and there are some days where I just want to lay in bed and cry.

How has playing sports for Beloit Memorial affected you?

It has made me more competitive. Everyone knows that Beloit Memorial is often the underdog when it comes to other schools in our conference, so I always liked competing and trying to prove everyone wrong.

How has being captain of the volleyball team affected you?

I think being captain of the volleyball team affected me in a positive way because It showed me that my coaches think that I can handle the pressure of such a big title. It also affected me because I’ve never had to take on a leadership role that big before.

How has being injured your senior year affected you mentally?

Honestly, being injured my senior year has probably been one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to overcome. I walked into volleyball this season with so many goals, and not even getting a chance to TRY and accomplish them really hurt. But it has shown me that I am more than the sport that I play. Whether I play a sport or not, I am still Jacklin Pabst.

What is some advice you would give to younger athletes?

Some advice I’d give to younger athletes would be to not take your sport for granted. If someone would have told me that I would not be playing a single conference game that season I probably would’ve laughed in their face. But it’s true. Don't take your sport for granted, and perform every play like it’s your last.

What are your plans for the future (college volleyball etc)?

Pretty soon, in the near future, I hope to be making a commitment decision on where I want to continue my academic and athletic career... stay tuned.

If you could meet one professional athlete who would it be and why?

It would probably be Kobe Bryant because of his mentality. He was such a go-getter, wasn’t afraid of a challenge, and such a hard worker all around

What was it like sitting on the bench while your teammates and fellow seniors were playing?

It was really hard for me. Watching them do something that I had been in love with for years without me hurt really bad, especially with it being my senior year. As I said earlier, I had so many goals I wanted to accomplish, and injuring myself before the season had even officially started took all of that away from me.