Kendall Schara battles back to the volleyball court after leukemia remission
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay volleyball player Kendall Schara is training for a possible return after beating acute myeloid leukemia.
Kendall Schara, a freshman-year volleyball athlete at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia on April 25, 2025, and entered remission after a stem-cell transplant from her sister Elle. Since returning to campus, she has followed a carefully staged training plan that began with light lifting and limited court time, using heart-rate monitoring to manage intensity. Over weeks, her deadlift and squat numbers have risen significantly, though they remain below pre-illness levels.
The coaching staff, including strength coach Chris Rice, one outlet trainer Maddie Thorson, and assistant coach Shannon Coughlin, have adjusted her workload based on daily recovery scores. Schara remains determined to contribute to the team, and coach Abbey Sutherland believes the most compelling chapter of her journey is yet to unfold.
Why it matters
Schara’s recovery shows how athletes can overcome serious illness and return to high-level sport.
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