From Hardship to Triumph: Ella Rentz Battles Back From Injuries to Get Historic Win

Image courtesy of Illinois State Athletics

NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State soccer continued its win streak after a historic win Sunday. The hero of the game turned out to be an unlikely player. Junior midfielder Ella Rentz entered the game late to deliver the game-winning goal, but before she could make it onto the field, she overcame plenty of adversity. 

Rentz found a love for soccer early in life, playing every level through high school in Michigan, where she grew up. After graduating from South Lyon High School, Rentz committed to play at Depaul University. However, her freshman campaign did not go how she had hoped, and she never saw the pitch. 

When the school year ended, she entered the transfer portal and found herself at Illinois State University, hopeful for a fresh start. 

But after transferring to ISU, Rentz’s hopes for a special season were quickly diminished. In the first game of the season, Rentz subbed in with around 10 minutes left in the half. Just three minutes later, she experienced a season-ending injury. 

“I went in for a tackle, and the girl fell on my leg,” Rentz said. “Everything went wrong, and I tore my ACL.” 

Rentz had just joined a new team and was now out for the year, focusing on recovery. In her new role, she focused on how to stay positive while finding a way to still contribute to the team. 

“Eventually I hit a point where I’m like, I will be back but for now I just have to be the best teammate I can,” Rentz said. “So, I kinda just had to make the best out of it, and believe that I’d be back.” 

Recovering from an injury took not only a physical toll, but also a mental and emotional one. She was unable to travel for multiple road games, missing out on opportunities to build relationships with her new teammates. 

Rentz recognized the people who helped her throughout the season, including a roommate and teammate who had also gone through an ACL tear. Through it all, Rentz always found herself surrounded by people who showed her they cared. 

“All my teammates, just like so there for me the whole time. And my coaches were super understanding of the whole process,” Rentz said. 

After missing the entire season and watching her team lose the conference championship without her, Rentz prepared for her return in the 2026 season opener. But yet again, she was faced with another obstacle. 

“I got a little concussion in the beginning of this year,” Rentz said. “So I did miss a good chunk of games this year too.” 

It was not until over more than a month into the season that she was able to make her return to the field, missing the first seven games. 

Rentz was limited in her first two games, only totaling 50 minutes between the two matches, and recording one shot. 

Things changed for Rentz, when on Sept. 20, the Redbirds traveled to Kentucky to play the Murray State Racers. This was the first conference game for ISU, and its third straight road game. In addition to the high stakes, ISU had not beaten Murray State in their previous four matches. 

As the game began, both teams proved to be evenly matched, recording an equal number of shots in the first half. Both goalkeepers played well, keeping the game scoreless at halftime. 

The second half continued in a similar fashion. Until the 69th minute, Rentz was subbed in for Aniya Seymore. Just over four minutes later, after an assist from Erika Wells, Rentz scored her first career goal. 

“It was so surreal,” Rentz said. “I never really thought I would get there, and then I finally did. And it’s just a crazy feeling honestly.” 

Rentz reflected on not only her reaction to her triumphant moment, but also her team’s response. 

“There were tears, from me, I think a few other girls . . . I think everyone was just kinda shocked and just so happy for me, and that just means so much.” 

The game ended with a final score of 1-0. Rentz scored the lone goal to give ISU their first-ever win over Murray State and its fourth straight win of the season. 

Illinois State soccer is in the midst of a historic year, boasting a 6-1-3 record, the programs best start in over a decade. Head Coach Raleigh DeRose is in her third season with ISU and has improved the team’s record each year. 

“I think one of the best qualities of Raleigh is just how like much she cares about everyone as like a person,” Rentz said. “I feel like that’s such an important thing to have from your head coach, someone you feel like you can trust . . . I think that’s probably her best quality, for us.” 

As the Redbirds continue to face their conference rivals, the team looks at its upcoming game against UIC. The two last faced off in the Missouri Valley Conference Finals, where UIC came away with an overtime win. 

“Obviously the PKs in the finals against UIC, was such a heartbreaker,” Rentz said. “And I think everyone on the team wants that game back.” 

As Rentz looks forward to the rest of the season and her remaining career with the Redbirds, she reflects on what she has learned so far from her time at ISU. 

“I just want to soak in every moment honestly. Because what I have learned is that, it’s never guaranteed . . . For me it’s like, every little moment is a blessing, and I’m just going to keep enjoying that because I don’t know when the last moment is going to be.” 

Rentz and the Redbirds will face UIC in Chicago on Sept. 27 as they look to continue their win streak. 

For all things Illinois State soccer, stay tuned to WZND.com