A little more than 100 days after a head-on car crash, Emmitt Konieczny, was celebrating winning the D5 state basketball tournament, hoisting the gold ball in the air. Just months before that incredible moment, he was sitting in a hospital bed at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah.
“I just knew this is how it was supposed to end,” Emmitt Konieczny said. “And I knew we were going to have quite a story to tell.”
On Nov. 30, 2023, Emmitt and his mother, Jen, who are from the Marshfield area, were on their way to Lakeland University in Sheboygan when a car crossed the centerline and hit their car, head-on.
“I never lost consciousness, so I was aware of everything that was going on as people were coming to help us,” Jen said. “I could feel that my ankle was pretty badly injured. I was just worried about Emmitt.”
Emmitt had lost consciousness after the crash. First responders were worried about a potential head injury. He was flown to ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah by ThedaStar while his mother was taken to a local hospital in Sheboygan, where she would be treated for ankle and shoulder injuries.
“I assumed we would be going to the same place, but I knew he needed a higher level of care,” Jen said. “As a mother, it was frightening. I was worried about him being all alone in the hospital until my husband could get to him.”
Care teams at ThedaCare stayed in constant contact with Jen.
“Everyone was so compassionate about the situation,” she said. “They had a clear understanding about what was taking place. They were very accommodating, and I appreciate that.”
Once at Neenah, it was determined that Emmitt did not have a head injury. However, shortly after, he began having severe abdominal pains and vomiting. Tests revealed internal bleeding. Emmitt suffered lacerated intestines after the crash, and he would need emergency surgery.
“I remember them telling me that I had to go in for surgery,” he recalled. “And I remember saying, ‘Let’s get this show on the road’. It was just hurting so bad and I wanted to feel some relief.”
The basketball star was also worried about missing his next basketball game. Emmitt said he really didn’t understand the severity of his injuries at the time; he was just thinking about his team.
Before the surgery, Emmitt’s father, Joe, who is also his basketball coach, arrived at the hospital with his son. The family said Joe was nervous about the surgery. He found comfort from ThedaCare teams, including social workers who provided support.
Dr. Kara Vande Walle, a trauma surgeon with ThedaCare and Surgical Associates of Neenah, performed the surgery.
The surgery went well, and Emmitt began his road to recovery —a road that would lead him to the state basketball championship.
Determined to Play
After surgery, Emmitt spent four days in the hospital. On Dec. 1, he was able to get out of bed, but it was difficult to even walk around the hospital floor.
Emmitt asked the doctors and his dad if he could play basketball again. Care teams explained he would need to miss some of the basketball season.
“I was devastated at first,” he said. “The doctors told me it would be two months initially. I was just worried about the team.”
For a great player – with big aspirations for his senior season – time away from the court was difficult to accept.
“I asked my dad if I would be able to play again,” Emmitt recalled. “My dad told me I would play again, and we’re going to win a state tournament. I laughed and said, ‘OK, let’s do it. Let’s win the state tournament.’”
Emmitt began his recovery. He started slowly, jogging and running on his own. Then he eventually started playing basketball again with some restrictions.
“He was motivated to get back on the court,” Jen said. “He has always been that kind of player; he is always thinking about others and about his teammates.”
Emmitt missed nine games. After he returned to the court, he remembered the uplifting words from his dad when he was in the hospital: It was time to win a championship.
“After I returned and played, I wasn’t nervous,” Emmitt said. “It’s crazy that an experience like this could change me as a player. I just wanted to go out there, play and have fun. And that’s what we did.”
Emmitt and his younger brother, Mac, play for their dad at Columbus Catholic High School in Marshfield. They made their way through the tournament and to the final game. Emmitt fulfilled his goal of winning, and more. He scored 31 points, tied the D5 state record for most 3-pointers and went 10-for-10 from the free throw line.
“It was a dream come true for me,” he said. “After everything that happened, I’m just so grateful I had the opportunity to play again.”
Comprehensive Care, Close to Home
Emmitt received care at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah for four days after the accident. During those moments, the family said they had full faith in doctors and care teams.
“Nurses were always there to help,” Jen said. “They helped Emmitt throughout his stay. They kept him comfortable, walked down the halls with him. As parents, we appreciate that.”
ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah is one of nine adult Level II trauma centers in Wisconsin. ThedaCare has maintained its Level II Trauma Center verification since 1998.
As they reflect on the last few months, the family said they are grateful to caregivers for their quick action, and the ability to care for their son in the area.
“We were hours away from our home near Marshfield when everything took place,” Jen said. “Coming from a rural area, we understand that people need to feel comfortable with the care that is available to them. For loved ones and caregivers, it makes a huge difference. Not being from the area, it was frightening. Knowing Emmitt was going to a place with that high level of care, that was closer than Milwaukee or Madison, was comforting.”
For Emmitt, his hoop dreams will continue. Next year, he’ll be attending Lakeland University and playing basketball.
Image Information: For photos of the Konieczny family, the accident, Emmitt’s recovery and his return to basketball, please click here.
