Champions…
They come in many forms, yet there are constants for those who are dubbed as such.
Working hard is a given; dedication a must, determination, and a will far beyond the normal are often the dividers between champions and those who chase – but cannot catch — catch greatness.
Assumption (Davenport, Iowa) Catholic graduate Kelly Grobstich answers to all the aforementioned requirements to be a champion.
And so much more.
Soft-spoken and ever-so-humble, Grobstich with arduous work and the help of Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s Amanda Fennelly, PT, DPT – overcame a devastating knee injury to reach the top of the Iowa high school track mountain.
In April of 2025, Grobstich took what was already a successful track campaign to great heights, nabbing the100-meter dash title at the legendary Drake Relays.
The icing on an amazing prep career came in May, at the Iowa State High School track championships, run on the same Des Moines, Iowa-based track as the Drake Relays.
There, the lightning-quick Grobstich captured the Class 3A 100-meter crown – in record time (11.83) — and the 200-meter championship. Oh, by the way, she seized a second in the 400-meters before claiming her two state titles.
In the course of a season for the ages, Grobstich eclipsed nine different Assumption records and earned All-State Elite in the 100, 200 and 400 at the state finals. She was the Indoor (season) Athlete of the Meet and was selected as the Quad City Times newspaper’s Female Athlete of the Year.
Few capped a decorated prep career in the kind of fashion Grobstich did.
Time was, though, there was doubt she would enjoy such an amazing run.
It was November of 2022, and Grobstich – a gifted dancer – had just completed a flip, doing her part as a member of the ultra-successful Knight Company Dance Team. Upon landing, she felt something give in her left knee. Always the competitor, Grobstich fished the routine, but knew there was trouble.
The result was a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Surgery soon followed. Post-surgery, Grobstich turned to a trusted ally in Rock Valley and Fennelly to handle all that was her rehabilitation.
The bonus?
In addition to having Fennelly, a skilled, compassionate, and caring therapist in her corner, Grobstich had Fennelly – who doubles as an assistant with the Assumption track team – to guide her back to — and during — competition. After a stellar track career at Assumption, Fennelly competed at the Division I level at the University of Northern Iowa.
If anyone has a firm grasp on what makes Grobstich tick, it’s Fennelly.
“She had a solid junior year and was pretty solid health-wise through winter and spring (2025),’’ Fennelly said of Grobstich’s knee health, noting the star sprinter finished third in the 100-and-200 and fourth in the 400 as a junior.
“We had a couple days of tuning-up hamstring and hip tightness, but this season was the least number of times she had been in the (Rock Valley/Northwest Davenport) clinic,’’ Fennelly added. “Each practice I’d give her a “OK?’’ look and a “We good?’’ look, and she would look at me and tell me she was OK. She handled adversity well and that takes a special type of person.’’
All the while, Grobstich – after an outstanding indoor season competing in Iowa and Illinois – was having an outdoor season for the ages.
The Drake 100-meter title was the first championship domino to fall.
“I was very nervous about that,’’ Grobstich said of the nation’s most recognized prep/collegiate spring track meet. “I am a high-anxiety person, and I hide it well sometimes, but at Drake I was nervous. And I was a little surprised at winning, maybe because the moment was pretty big, but nothing else felt that way, including the state meet.’’
After successful conference and district meets, Grobstich – with bullseye firmly on her back – attacked the Class 3A state championships with vengeance. It was there she called on a quote her father often shares with her.
Then she went out and seized a second in the 400 and captured her two state titles, while setting a new state record in the 100.
“My dad says pressure is a privilege,’’ Grobstich shared. “He’s right. Expectations are OK. You know when you go to some places or to meets at home, where there are people excited to compete against you because of your ranking or what you have won. And that’s OK.
“At the state meet, it was a strange/different first day, because I got the 400 done,’’ Grobstich added. “And I finished second with a personal best. It was exhausting. There was some pressure. I put all my stuff by the trash can in case (nervous stomach).”
“But for the 100 and 200, I was nervous in the blocks, but I was in a better spot physically and mentally because Drake had prepared me for it. I just did what I was supposed to do. I’m so grateful and fortunate to have won.’’
Having a tremendous support system in place – which has in Fennelly’s eyes – been a huge key to Grobstich’s success on the track, but more importantly how she is a person.
“Great parents,’’ Fennelly said. “Her family is wonderful. They have a great faith base, and her brothers go to her stuff and support her, and she goes to theirs. It gives me a glimpse of what my family was like when I was growing up. There is nothing but great support there. And she has surrounded herself with a great group of friends. Kelly is a tremendous student as well and will have success, but it all starts at home.”
“This was my fourth season coaching – my first group of freshmen through seniors – and it has been bittersweet to see them grow and now go to grad parties,’’ added Fennelly. “It’s funny, looking at a picture of Kelly from her freshman year and seeing that she has grown so much. I remember we got done with that (freshman) season and (retiring head coach) Tim O’Neill and (assistant coach) Jake (Moylan) said she is going to be special. They have been doing it for so long and it’s a gift they have to recognize that. The awesome part of watching her this year is how she set certain goals, and she met them.’’
The next step for Grobstich is college. She will attend the University of Iowa but will not compete in track.
“I just didn’t have that feeling (to compete),’’ Grobstich said. “You never say never, but I’m good right now wanting to be a student and someday become a (physical) therapist.’’
To reach the heights she has reached, Grobstich – in the most humbling manner – understands and appreciates all who have helped along the way. She talks with reverence about her family, O’Neill, Moylan (who is moving out of town), and her Assumption teammates and friends.
She shares an even greater appreciation for Fennelly, who has seen Grobstich through struggles and successes.
“So lucky and so grateful to have great coaches and great teammates,’’ said Grobstich, “I wouldn’t be where I am without Amanda and all she has done. It was a long road, but she was there all the way. She is amazing.’’
Rock Valley Physical Therapy is proud to once again sponsor the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon. As runners treating runners, we know the dedication it takes to train, recover, and cross that finish line. Join us on race day and be part of this event!
Sign up here: https://qcmarathon.org
By: Johnny Marx, Rock Valley Storyteller