In the blink of an eye, Grace McClintock's life changed forever.

During her sophomore season in 2023, McClintock, a volleyball student-athlete for Friends University, was feeling fatigued and on the verge of passing out during games and workouts.

She initially assumed it was anemia, but after further tests, McClintock received the shocking news that she had aplastic anemia, a rare and life-threatening condition in which the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells.

The solution was a bone marrow transplant.

"It was a really big hit to me, especially as a 19, 20-year-old because you think you're invincible, and then you have that happen," McClintock said.

After an unsuccessful search within her family for a donor, McClintock found a match on the bone marrow registry and underwent the transplant in 2024.

However, the journey was far from over. McClintock had to stay in an apartment near the hospital for up to 100 days post-transplant, living in isolation to avoid infections.

The physical and mental challenges were immense.

She lost 35 pounds and a lot of strength, which was a big part of her identity as a college athlete.

"The rehab and going through chemo and all of that was super tough," McClintock said. "But I would say definitely the biggest challenges were the mental ones that I faced."

Through the Storm

Despite the struggles, McClintock leaned on her unwavering faith and the support of her family to keep pushing forward.

But even with the doctors being confident in her recovery and return to the court, there was always a lingering doubt of complications or failure.

"There was definitely not a 100% chance that I was going to get back on the court," McClintock said.

"But I remember throughout my recovery, I said that I at least need to try because I can't live with myself without even trying to get back on that court."

The Comeback

And try she did.

McClintock fought with everything she had and returned to the volleyball court this season, playing in 109 sets and ranking in the top five on the team in kills.

All the work she put in to make it back was paying off.

"Oh, it was a heavy feeling," McClintock said. "I remember my first game back, my dad was there, and I was so nervous and excited because I finally got to where I pushed to be for my whole recovery."

"I finally got to be back on the court. I got my starting role back and was back with my team."

McClintock vividly recalls her first kill and looking at her dad, who was crying with pride and joy.

Tears of happiness streamed down her face as she realized she had overcome the odds and achieved her goal.

It was an emotional moment that she and her dad will never forget.

"I didn't know if I was ever going to step back on the court again," McClintock said.

"I didn't know if I was going to get a kill again. That was a pretty emotional moment for me and my dad, kind of just seeing me go through everything. Tearing up myself right now thinking about it."

Through it all, McClintock credits the Friends community for their support and care during her journey, particularly Athletic Director Dr. Rob Ramseyer.

"Rob was super supportive throughout my recovery," McClintock said. "He talked to me several times and was one of my workout buddies in the spring, and every single time, he would give me a fist bump. He'd talk to me and write me notes, and that was really huge for me during that time and gave me the belief that others believed in me."

She has enjoyed being a part of the small but tight-knit community and appreciates the athletic administration's support, especially during her recovery.

"I've enjoyed my experience at Friends," McClintock said. "Everybody at Friends is super supportive and caring. No student is going to be left behind here because everybody cares so much. I really do love this school."

McClintock's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and determination in the face of adversity.

She fought through the physical and mental challenges and returned to the court with a newfound appreciation for life and the sport she loves.

For anyone facing a similar situation, McClintock encourages them to trust the process, give themselves grace, and believe in the plan that God has for them.

"It's going to make you a better person ," McClintock said. "It's going to make you a better athlete. It's going to make you better overall."