Sometimes a mother just knows. April Kratochvil had been carrying this heavy feeling about her daughter Kylie for over a decade. The heart murmur discovered at age three had become routine checkups with routine reassurances. But that gnawing feeling in April’s chest wouldn’t quiet down, no matter how many times doctors said everything looked fine.

Before her sophomore year at Mater Dei High School, April requested another cardiologist referral. The family needed peace of mind for golf eligibility. The same tests were rerun. Then came September 5, 2024. Kylie Kratochvil needed open-heart surgery immediately. The diagnosis was subaortic valve stenosis. A membrane had grown inside her heart, restricting blood flow. Part of her heart was hardening. Without treatment, the condition would become life-threatening.

“I was in shock,” April Kratochvil said. “I knew the doctor was talking, but it wasn’t registering. I had to watch what I was doing, because I didn’t want to freak her out more.” The timing couldn’t have been worse. Kylie had just discovered her passion for golf. She attended Mater Dei practices religiously. The team environment energized her completely. Now surgery loomed just two days after her oldest sibling’s wedding.

October 23, 2024, arrived. Surgeons at Riley Children’s Hospital successfully removed the dangerous membrane. Recovery required patience and careful monitoring. An initial EKG showed irregularities. However, July 2025 brought expected results. Finally, doctors cleared Kylie for competition.

Professional golfers regularly overcome significant health challenges. Players like Davis Love III recently underwent open-heart surgery and returned to competition. Similarly, Kylie’s determination matched these elite athletes. August 4, 2025, marked her competitive return. She finished 10th overall at Mount Vernon’s tournament. Coach Mandi Ashby couldn’t believe the transformation. The first-year coach witnessed something special.

“Kylie never gave up,” Ashby said. “She was full throttle from the moment she got the go-ahead. She has huge potential. She is very level-headed on the golf course and great course management. It’s what any coach wants to see.”

Success followed quickly. Kylie posted a career-best 76 at the Rivet Invitational. She claimed individual victory while leading Mater Dei to first place with a team score of 371. Second Team All-SIAC and All-City honors came at Cambridge on September 10. Her playing style emphasizes accuracy over distance. She keeps the ball in play consistently. Mental toughness defines her approach. The same resilience that carried her through surgery now dominates the golf course.

Mater Dei Golf team support proved crucial curing Kylie’s recovery

Mater Dei’s golf program became Kylie’s lifeline during the medical crisis. The team pulled her from the competition for safety. Yet they insisted she attend every practice and match. She remained connected despite being unable to play. The month leading up to surgery proved particularly devastating for Kylie, who had quickly fallen in love with competitive golf.

“She truly loved the environment around the team,” according to reports about her recovery period. “There was still no real timeline for when or if Kratochvil would be cleared to return.” This unwavering support system proved essential. Teammates rallied around their injured player. Coaches maintained faith in her eventual return. The program’s culture emphasized supporting members through challenges.

Now Kylie reflects on her journey with gratitude. Looking back on the entire experience from diagnosis through recovery, she has gained a perspective that many teenagers never develop. “I don’t let it affect me. I don’t let it take away from the things I like to do. It made me more appreciative of the things I have and the things that I’ve done.”

Her mother’s instincts saved her life. The team’s support sustained her spirit. Today, she competes with renewed perspective and a deeper appreciation for every round.