Schoonover returns from injury to become lacrosse 'centerpiece'
After posting 30 points in only 16 games with Central Michigan lacrosse as a freshman in 2016, Anna Schoonover was poised for a big sophomore season last year.
She led the team with 59 draw controls, which was more than double the next highest player’s total at CMU.
Schoonover scored nine goals and added three assists through the team’s first six games. At that pace, she would have finished in the top five in both goals and points among CMU players.
However, she suffered a broken collarbone after the sixth game and missed the remainder of the season.
“I was devastated,” Schoonover said.
Schoonover didn't let this injury define the rest of her career.
Through 14 games this season, she has already surpassed her totals from her freshman year. She leads the team in points (41), goals (31), and draw controls (66).
Now a junior, Schoonover is a centerpiece for the Chippewas lacrosse team, head coach Sara Tisdale said.
“Anna has been a special player since she arrived at CMU,” Tisdale said. “Several great goals, draw controls, the way she leads brings a sense of confidence the offense. I couldn’t be more proud of her.”
Schoonover's name is buried in nearly every category in the Chippewa record books.
For an individual season, Schoonover held the CMU record for draw controls with 59 in 2016, but is well on her way to breaking her own record this season with 50 draw controls already and five games remaining.
For an individual game, Schoonover’s six goals at Saint Francis on Feb. 16 of last season tied Jocelyne Lemay for most goals in game.
Schoonover was discouraged after losing her sophomore campaign to injury, but wanted to bounce back. On March 23, 2017, she underwent surgery for the injury.
Over the summer, Schoonover could only perform limited arm exercises to get a range of motion back. She was forced to rest and allow her collarbone to heal.
“There wasn’t a ton of rehab,” Schoonover said. “It was more resting and letting the plate and screws take place.”
On Feb. 16, Schoonover suited up against Marquette in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was the first real game she had participated in since the injury. She only took one shot, but said it felt good to be back on the field.
