Kolton Vogelsberg’s season changed in an instant during a Dec. 17, 2024, game against Platteville. Midway through the second quarter, the small forward drove to the basket on what was a routine play. As he planted his foot, he felt a sharp pain in his knee — a moment he immediately knew was serious. Vogelsberg walked to the bench, but he never returned to the floor that night.
The news that followed was worse than he expected. Later that week, his doctors confirmed he had torn his ACL, meniscus, and MCL — a combination of injuries that would require reconstructive surgery and months of recovery. Vogelsberg underwent surgery on Jan. 6, 2025, officially ending his season.
The months after surgery tested both his patience and his determination to recover. Vogelsberg was on crutches for several weeks and had to wear a knee brace throughout the first part of his recovery. Vogelsberg was unable to drive due to his injury, leaving him dependent on family and friends for rides to school, therapy, and team activities. Physical therapy became part of his daily routine as he worked to rebuild strength and mobility in his knee.
Being sidelined offered its own challenges. Watching from the bench wasn’t easy.
“You want to be out there competing,” Vogelsberg said. “Seeing everyone else play and knowing you can’t is tough.”
As the new season approaches, Vogelsberg is finally preparing for his return. Months of steady progress in physical therapy have restored his strength and confidence, and he has been gradually reintroduced to team practices.
Although he has made what doctors consider a full recovery, the mental challenge of trusting his knee again remains.
“I want to get to the point where I don’t have to worry about reinjury,” Vogelsberg said. “It’s still in the back of my mind, but I know the work I’ve put in.”
Despite the lingering fear of reinjury, Vogelsberg is committed to helping the team in any way he can. Whether as a scorer or defender, he’s focused on contributing to what he hopes will be a strong season.
“Just being back with the team and having the chance to play again means a lot,” he said.
Coaches and teammates expect him to play an important role as the team enters a new year with optimism, and with Vogelsberg determined to make the most of his comeback.