Wauconda’s Alyssa Threde didn’t know whether she’d play softball again.
After Threde suffered a torn meniscus in her right knee in August 2022, she needed not one but two surgeries, the second coming in January 2023. A month later, she suffered a torn meniscus in her left knee, and she had surgery again.
“It was the most challenging thing I have ever experienced both physically and mentally,” Threde said. “It was also a very exhausting process. As soon as I would get cleared, I would have another surgery.
“It felt like all of my progress and hard work was for nothing. The thought of giving up was going through my mind constantly. Physically, it was the most pain I have been in.”
Two years later, Threde is a fixture in the Bulldogs’ lineup. But the senior shortstop remembers thinking that might never happen.
“At first, I was very scared,” she said. “I was scared of the recovery process, the timeline, and I was nervous I was going to let everyone down when I was cleared.”
On the contrary, Threde got herself ready in time for the first game in 2023, played out of position at first base and hit .309 in 64 plate appearances as the Bulldogs reached the Class 3A sectional finals for the third straight year. That set the stage for her breakthrough junior season.
“Because of my surgeries, I developed a really strong mindset last season,” Threde said. “I stopped letting mistakes and errors bring me down. I think that made a huge difference in my game. My hitting was much better last season, and I felt like I was stronger.”
Indeed, Threde hit .392 with two home runs, eight doubles and 21 RBIs for the Bulldogs (20-11, 7-6) last season, when she was named All-Northern Lake County Conference.
“Alyssa has so much resiliency and drive,” Wauconda coach Tim Orisek said. “Even through her surgeries, she continued to work hard.”
Wauconda senior third baseman Samantha Saldana said it was difficult to watch her longtime friend go through that process. But she wasn’t surprised by Threde’s quick recovery.
“When she finally returned to the field, it was as if she had never left, showcasing her exceptional talent and skill,” Saldana said. “Alyssa’s strength, perseverance and ability to bounce back make her not only a valuable player but also an inspiring teammate.”
Threde impressed Wauconda senior center fielder Ellary Nick too.
“Alyssa never gave up and came back with more drive to show everyone she could be the same, if not better, player than before her injury,” Nick said. “She never holds back on the field despite a greater possibility she could retear.”
Along the way, Threde has become a valuable hitter at the top of Wauconda’s lineup.
“She has exceptional speed, which allows her to quickly reach base and put pressure on the opposing defense,” Saldana said. “As a leadoff hitter, she consistently works deep into counts, showcasing her discipline at the plate and ability to get on base.
“Alyssa also has strong situational awareness, making smart decisions on the field and leading by example with her hustle and work ethic.”
Getting the first look at a pitcher each game also gives Threde an opportunity to share what she learns.
“Alyssa tells me after her at-bat, whether good or bad, what the pitcher is throwing,” Nick said. “I rely on her help to tell me what she saw so that I’m able to identify what pitch I want and have a better idea of what to expect.”
Threde, whose older brother Zach played baseball at Wauconda and has continued his career at Wisconsin-Superior, has high expectations for this season. The Bulldogs would like to unseat Antioch, which has won at least a share of the conference title for four straight years and earned a third-place trophy and two second-place trophies at the 3A state tournament in the past three seasons.
Wauconda lost to Antioch in the sectional finals in 2021, 2022 and 2023 and couldn’t get past Lakes in the sectional semifinals last season.
“We definitely have a lot of goals as a team, and I want to contribute to try to reach those as much as I can,” Threde said. “I want them to realize that it’s OK to fail and make mistakes. I’m excited to see what the team and I can do this season.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
