Sadie Kreuger, a sophomore and student athlete at Moanalua High School, recovered from an Iliotibial (IT) band injury in August 2025. With the exceptional patient care of Tripler Army Medical Center’s physical therapy team, Kreuger went on to win the Hawaii State Cross-Country title, was named Hawaii Gatorade Player of the Year, and qualified to participate in the Brooks Nationals, representing Team West in December 2025.

The unexpected halt

The week before starting high school, Kreuger attended a fun run with her team. During the run, she felt a sudden, sharp jolt of pain in her hip. Hoping it was just a fleeting cramp, she tried to push through, but the pain only intensified. Kreuger was forced to stop and walk back to the starting line.

“I kept running, thinking it would pass, but the pain intensified,” Kreuger said. “I had to stop and walk back and to be honest, I just wanted to know how long it would last and when I could run again.”

Kreuger’s parents chose Tripler Army Medical Center for her recovery, drawn by its convenience and the reputation of its staff. The diagnosis was an IT band injury, a frustrating setback right at the threshold of Kreuger’s cross-country season.

Finding support at Tripler

“My first impression was how friendly, caring, and knowledgeable everyone was, starting at the front desk and carrying through the entire staff,” Kreuger said. “In the beginning, it was tough. I needed to take things slow and learn how to treat my injury. I had a couple of setbacks, but I knew I needed to keep putting the work in to be able to run again. The PT team kept me motivated and gave me the tools to be successful.”

U.S. Army Maj. Roy R. Camacho, TAMC chief of physical therapy, initially treated Kreuger and became a key figure in her recovery. Camacho and his team continued to educate and support Kreuger throughout her care, helping her become a stronger runner.

After three weeks of therapy, Kreuger was allowed to run very short distances at a time. The experience taught her valuable lessons about her body and limits. She learned when to push and when to slow down, and how to better support her muscles to help reach new goals. The exercises and stretches gave Kreuger the opportunity to get back to running at a faster pace than before her injury.

“Being able to just get back to running felt like a huge success,” Kreuger said. “Tough days happened for sure, but I was so determined to get back to competing.”

Her recovery was a team effort, with her physical therapy team, family, and Moanalua coaching staff all working together.

“Jim and I have been so thankful for the PT team at Tripler who cared, worked and taught Sadie how to care for her injury,” said Rachel Kreuger, Sadie’s mother. “The entire team has been a huge extended family of support for her along her journey. We are beyond grateful.”

A triumphant return and record-breaking aspirations

Now, in April 2026 and midway through the track season, Kreuger is healthy and racing again without limitations. While she acknowledges the frustration and impatience that came with her injury, Kreuger went on to win the Hawaii State Cross-Country title after her recovery last fall, was named Hawaii Gatorade Player of the Year for cross-country and qualified to participate in the Brooks Cross Country Nationals, representing Team West.

“I would love to break my freshman records this season in track, both in the 800 and 1,500 meters,” Kreuger said. “It’s so hard to be patient, but the good news is most times you come back stronger because of the hard work.” Kreuger is proud of the work she’s put in to get better. TAMC’s physical therapy team not only taught her how to recover but also how to strengthen, stretch, and recover after tough workout days. For Kreuger, the injury that once threatened her season became the catalyst for her greatest achievements yet.

“It’s been an honor to be a small part of her journey,” Camacho said. “What stands out most isn’t just the outcome, but the consistency, discipline, and mindset she brought every single day. Going from not running to becoming a state champion speaks volumes about her work ethic and resilience. She trusted the process, stayed patient through the ups and downs, and ultimately earned everything she achieved. Her success is truly a reflection of her dedication, and I’m excited to see how far she can go.”

The Physical Therapy Clinic at TAMC offers a wide range of services for the rehabilitation and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, joint and spine pain, soft tissue disorders, and neurological impairments. Physical therapy services are available to all active-duty service members, with space-available appointments for their family members as well as other TRICARE beneficiaries, such as veterans and their family members. For more information, please contact the Physical Therapy Clinic at 808-433-6764.