NOTRE DAME — One seemingly normal throw in the spring of her freshman year of softball, changed everything for Allie Moss.
Although she wouldn’t know it until the summer, Moss, a Concord High graduate, had torn the ulnar collateral ligament in her elbow, which would require Tommy John surgery to repair it – somewhat rare for a softball player.
“I felt it on a throw in early March when I was playing for Trine my freshman year, but I didn’t know I had torn the ligament until the summer,’’ Moss said. “I really didn’t get it checked until it just didn’t get better and I finally went to the trainers.
“When I got an X-ray done on my elbow, they discovered a bone was also broken. When they did my surgery in the fall, they also took out a piece of the bone and repaired my elbow.’’
Moss would transfer from Trine to Saint Mary’s College during the off-season.
What followed was a long season where she was unable to play.
“It was pretty tough ... definitely a different role than I was used to,’’ Moss said. “But it made me appreciate the game more and honestly if I could change things, I’m not sure I would.
“I think sitting out gave me more perspective of the game and helped me appreciate every day. You never know when you’re playing your last game or when you could get hurt and be out for the year. I think it has helped make me a better teammate.
“My job last years was taking care of the book at our games .. that was my role. It was different, but I did love being around the team.’’
Now fully healthy, Moss is having a breakout season for the Belles, usually catching in one game of doubleheaders and playing the outfield in the other.
Hitting leadoff or second for Saint Mary’s in 2026, Moss is hitting a robust .364 this season, with a .444 on base percentage.
She’s also set a school record for the Belles with her 24 stolen bases (in 29 attempts).
“I really didn’t throw again until last summer, so I’m very excited to be back playing and it’s so fun to be out there again,’’ Moss said. “We’re really young, but I think our team is jelling and we should be a force soon.’’
One of Moss’ teammates is former Penn pitcher Aubrey Zachary, who joined the program after softball was dropped at Purdue Fort Wayne. She’s won five games this season, but missed time with a broken foot.
“It’s been a good change,’’ Moss admitted. “My faith is very important to me and I do believe God brought me back to the 574. I really love it here and I do believe my injury happened for a reason.’’
While the Belles will miss the playoffs this season in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association this spring, getting her team to the tournament in 2027 is one of Moss’ main goals.
“I really want our team to make it into the tournament and really compete, that means getting into the top four of the MIAA,’’ Moss said. “I wanted to get to 30 steals this season, but the clock is ticking and I’m not sure I’ll get there. So hopefully, I can break my record again next season and help us win.’’
The program’s all-time steals record is 68, a mark Moss would likely break if she played her final three seasons at St. Mary’s.
“I am hoping to play softball for as long as I can and if I’m offered another year, I would do it. I’m just not sure I’ll be able to do it financially at Saint Mary’s.’’
An exercise science major, Moss had her sites set on either coaching or getting into sports management. But a summer internship at Grant Park in Westfield added a possible alternative.