College student on the mend thanks to care at Akron Children’s for torn ACL

Maggie Shannon’s senior softball season ended early when she tore her ACL.

For Ridgewood High School softball player Maggie Shannon, her senior season ended far too soon. Just 8 games into the year, the 17-year-old suffered a devastating injury while running the bases.

“She pivoted to head back to second, and as she turned, she felt a pop and dropped to the ground,” recalled her mom, Robin. “Maggie isn’t one to complain, so I knew something was seriously wrong.”

Unsure where to turn, Robin immediately thought of her longtime friend, Shay Mulford, who serves as practice administrator for Akron Children’s Sports Medicine. Shay directed them to the walk-in sports clinic in Montrose – the closest option from the field in Sugarcreek.

Quick action and compassionate care

By the time Maggie arrived, Shay had already called ahead. Maggie was taken quickly for X-rays and fitted with a brace, stabilizer and crutches. Four days later an MRI confirmed the worst – a full thickness ACL tear (anterior cruciate ligament) and a medial meniscus tear (C-shaped disc of cartilage in the knee that acts as a shock absorber between the upper and lower bones of the leg and help keep the knee stable). She also experienced strains to the medial and lateral collateral ligaments, the posterior cruciate ligament and the soleus muscle in her calf.

Maggie had surgery in May 2025.

“The news was devastating,” Robin said. “Maggie had decided she wouldn’t play in college in order to focus on her studies, but she still wanted to finish her senior season.”

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Patrick Riley Jr., helped the family navigate the next steps. “He was wonderful and very compassionate,” Robin said. “He explained her limitations, like not being able to drive, but emphasized it was only temporary.”

To ensure Maggie could still celebrate senior milestones like prom and graduation, her surgery was scheduled for May 30, 2025. During the outpatient surgery, part of Maggie’s tendon was taken from her thigh to repair the ACL. Physical therapy then became the focus.

A focus on recovery and rehabilitation

Maggie first met physical therapist Chris Koy 1 week after her surgery for her initial evaluation.

Maggie with her many softball accolades.

“Early rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction with meniscus repair focuses on reducing swelling and pain. It also includes improving range of motion (ROM) and activating the quadriceps muscle,” said Chris.

Maggie experienced significant stiffness throughout her rehabilitation, making it difficult to regain her ROM.

“She moved away for college near the end of August and was still working on restoring ROM at that time,” Chris said.  “Maggie is an incredibly hard worker, and I anticipate a full recovery despite these challenges.”

After moving to Cincinnati for college, Maggie continued physical therapy and focused on rebuilding strength, balance and power throughout her lower extremities.

Recovery hasn’t been easy. Full rehabilitation takes from 9 to 12 months, but Maggie is making steady progress. She was cleared to start running and can drive again, big milestones on her road to recovery.

To reach this point, Chris explained, Maggie needed to have 75-80% strength in knee extension and flexion compared to her other leg, be able to hop on one foot without pain and show no signs of swelling.

Looking ahead to a bright future

Maggie is a freshman at the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash where she is pursuing radiology technology.

Now 18, and attending the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash, she’s pursuing an accelerated bachelor’s degree in radiology technology. Living on the third floor of an apartment with no elevator adds an extra challenge, but she’s managing.

Dr. Riley even offered encouragement for her future career: “He told her once she graduates to come back to Akron Children’s and apply for a job – they’re always in need of radiology techs,” Robin said.

Looking back, Robin is thankful for the compassionate, coordinated care her daughter received. “From start to finish, Akron Children’s made a difficult situation easier, guiding us through every step from diagnosis and treatment to surgery and rehab.”