Mundelein’s Shae Johnson was on top of the world.
As a sophomore two years ago, Johnson was a force in the circle and at the plate. She led the Mustangs to the North Suburban Conference title and their first state tournament appearance since 1996, and she was rewarded with a Class 4A all-state first-team selection by the Illinois Softball Coaches Association.
“I was on a complete high even after losing both games at state,” Johnson said. “I was still so confident. I had a really bright future ahead of me. I had a good summer schedule ahead playing for a national team. I had so many good things and was looking forward to talking to college coaches in the fall.
“I was on an all-time high and so excited for the future.”
Then Johnson suffered a torn labrum in her right shoulder in the middle of that summer. The injury limited her to some at-bats late last season, when she was unable to pitch.
“It was extremely hard watching other people succeed last year,” Johnson said. “Even though I was happy, seeing the team doing so good and having fun, it was definitely hard personally. I feel like that’s very natural for anyone to feel like, especially after the season I had before.
“I tried to stay in good spirits for everyone. It was such a struggle not playing. My teammates were committing to college, knowing it should be me too. It was hard to push through.”
But Johnson did push through and made a triumphant return to the circle in the season opener last week. The senior right-hander pitched a five-inning no-hitter, striking out 10, as the Mustangs beat Carmel 19-0.
“It was like she never left, like she picked up where she left off,” Mundelein coach Heather Ryan said. “She’s such a fierce competitor. She was calling her own pitches. She found her groove in the middle of the game. She stayed mentally strong. She figured it out.
“It was an emotional moment for her and her teammates.”
Senior outfielder Casey Vyverman, a Western Michigan basketball recruit, confirmed that.
“We’re all so excited to have Shae back,” Vyverman said. “She’s one of the best pitchers in the area. She’s also one of my best friends, so I had a lot of hard conversations with her during her recovery.
“I’m so proud of the way she got through it mentally. I think she’s in a much better place now and ready to prove she’s even better than before surgery.”
Senior center fielder Kieley Tomas, a St. Thomas recruit, said Johnson’s return is good news for the Mustangs (22-11, 8-6), who lost to Loyola in a Class 4A sectional championship game last season.
“Having her arm back is a huge plus for us,” Tomas said. “With her back, I believe we can make another state run.
“It was sad not being able to cheer her on in the circle. I knew she would bounce back better than before. I’m excited to see what she will do this season.”
Johnson, who went 25-3 with a 2.15 ERA and 315 strikeouts in 178 2/3 innings and batted .426 with nine home runs and 48 RBIs as a sophomore, will bat cleanup this season.
“Shae was truly the face of our program,” Ryan said. “To go from such a high to the lowest of lows, it will be interesting to see how she responds. She was a superstar.
“She has developed a servant mindset and is willing to do anything for the team. She’s a whole new kid in her senior year. She’s the hardest worker and wants it so bad. She’s such a competitor.”
Johnson is ready to win again.
“I was able to be fully back in the fall,” she said. “I got into the gym and had a really strong offseason trying to get my strength back and get my shoulders and muscles stronger. I feel really good.
“Against Carmel, the ball was moving great. I’m really excited.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
