An aspiring athlete’s journey often includes unforeseen challenges, but few are as daunting as a sudden, career-threatening sports injury. For Eve Skrocki, a formidable force in high school wrestling, that moment arrived in February 2024 during the Iowa state semifinals when she felt a distinct “pop” in her elbow, an incident that momentarily halted her ascent.
The jarring sensation quickly led to a diagnosis that would resonate with many elite athletes: a torn ulnar collateral ligament, commonly known as a UCL injury. This significant orthopedic surgery concern is frequently observed in throwing sports and notably sidelined NFL quarterback Brock Purdy in 2023, underscoring the severity of Skrocki’s condition.
Seeking expert care, Skrocki was referred to Dr. Brian Wolf, a distinguished orthopedic surgeon at University of Iowa Health Care, who advocated for a surgical repair of the UCL with internal bracing. This innovative procedure, developed in 2013, provides a more efficient alternative to the traditional Tommy John surgery, which can demand a full year for athlete recovery.
Through a combination of Dr. Wolf’s specialized surgical expertise and the dedicated support of the Iowa care team, Eve Skrocki achieved a remarkable recovery, returning to the mat nearly six months to the day after her procedure. Her swift and successful return defied typical expectations, demonstrating her inherent resilience and commitment.
Upon her return, Skrocki didn’t just participate; she excelled, demonstrating that her strength and skill were undiminished. Her impressive post-injury accolades include the Iowa Class 1A 145-pound state championship, 16U Folkstyle Nationals champion, Tallinn Open champion in both freestyle and Greco-Roman, and the Girls National High School Recruiting Showcase champion. In July 2025, she cemented her legacy by winning a Fargo Nationals freestyle title, earning her the prestigious USA Wrestling Triple Crown.
Dr. Wolf, who performs 40 to 50 such surgeries annually and serves as medical director for UI Sports Medicine, emphasizes Iowa’s robust capability to manage these complex injuries. He notes that while surgery is often the best path for athletes eager to resume their passion, not every UCL tear necessitates an operation, sometimes opting for therapy.
While historically prevalent in baseball, Dr. Wolf observes a growing incidence of UCL injuries among female wrestlers, a trend he attributes potentially to differences in female physiology, including increased joint laxity and a distinct angular build in the elbow. This emerging pattern highlights the evolving landscape of youth sports injuries.
Skrocki’s singular objective was to return to competition as quickly as possible. Empowered by Dr. Wolf’s confidence, she embraced her rehabilitation with exceptional grit and determination, diligently attending physical therapy sessions and remaining an active presence at club team practices. Even unable to wrestle, she committed to mental conditioning and footwork drills with her private coach, embodying the spirit of true athlete recovery.
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