After missing last season with a torn ACL, BYU soccer forward Ellie Walbruch returned to the field this fall determined to make an impact — and she did just that.
Walbruch earned a spot on the 2025 Big 12 Soccer All-Tournament Team as the Cougars won the Big 12 Tournament Championship, becoming the first No. 8 seed in conference history to claim the title.
“I learned that I’m way stronger mentally than I ever thought,” Walbruch said. “Tearing my ACL taught me about patience, trusting in God’s plan, and how to show up even when things don’t go my way. There were so many hard days, but I learned that I’m capable of pushing through hard things and staying disciplined even on the days when motivation wasn’t there.”
Walbruch scored five goals during the tournament, becoming the first player to score five goals in the Big 12 Tournament since 1997. One of those goals included the game-winner in BYU’s 1-0 victory over Kansas in the championship match on Saturday. She finished the season with 16 goals, helping the Cougars secure their first Big 12 trophy since joining the conference.
“It honestly meant so much,” Walbruch said. “Coming off an ACL injury, I worked every single day with one goal — to come back better than I was. There were moments when it felt like I was starting from scratch, but I kept reminding myself why I love the game. To see all that work pay off and be recognized as Offensive MVP was surreal. It wasn’t just about the award — it was about proving to myself that I could come back stronger, mentally and physically, and help my team accomplish a goal we had been working toward all season.”
Walbruch’s leadership and scoring ability played a key role in the Cougars’ championship run.
“My biggest takeaway is that joy is found in the journey,” Walbruch said. “This season wasn’t perfect, but it was so special. We fought for each other every single day. I’m grateful for how close this team became and how much we believed in each other no matter what. Being part of something bigger than yourself is the best feeling in the world — and our season isn’t done yet.”
Walbruch’s return from injury not only fueled BYU’s championship success but also showed her resilience and belief in God’s timing. Her story stands as an example of perseverance paying off — on and off the field.