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WINONA, Minn. — Over 600 people came out to support Saint Mary's University senior volleyball player Sabrina Bushlack by participating in the Strong is the New Beautiful 5K Run/Walk on the SMU campus Sunday afternoon.

Bushlack was in a car accident on July 16 that left her with critical injuries and rising medical costs. This weekend was Bushlack's first time back to the SMU campus since the accident and she was greeted with an overwhelming amount of support throughout the weekend.

“This means a lot to me,” Bushlack said as she looked at the crowd of finishers after the race. “I'm incredibly grateful for everyone here.”

Participants in the 5K Run/Walk included current athletes, SMU alumni, professors and staff, members of the Winona community, and friends and family of Bushlack.

“Even if people here don't know me, it's cool that they are here,” Bushlack said. “It means a lot that the whole SMU athletic department is behind me.”

Bushlack, who walked the entire course, is hoping to return to school for the second semester. She said she's progressing well with her medical treatment and has appreciated the prayers and support from the SMU community.

“It's good to see her back on campus,” SMU volleyball coach Mike Lester said. “This is where she should be. This kind of provides that first sense of normalcy for her to be here.”

For SMU graduate Erika Hurley, who was in the car accident with Bushlack, seeing her friend back on campus is nothing short of a miracle.

“This just gives me the chills,” Hurley said. “When I remember back to when I saw her during the accident in Indiana to seeing her now, it's amazing. From that moment to now she's come so far.”

“The whole reason the 5K is called 'Strong is the New Beautiful' is because of Sabrina's strength mentally and physically,” said SMU athletic director Nikki Fennern. “This weekend is a great sign of her strength.”

Sunday's event also shows the strength of the Saint Mary's athletic department and community.

“The magnitude of the turnout and the outpouring of support for Sabrina is awesome,” Fennern said. “Even though this is what Saint Mary's does, it still overwhelms me. You couldn't have asked for anything more from our community.”

Fennern said a lot of credit for Sunday's event belongs to assistant volleyball coach Jenna Ness, who served as race director for the 5K.

“Jenna has been phenomenal in preparing for this,” Fennern said. “The work she put in to this event has been amazing.”

Everyone's hard work helped create a special day for Bushlack and her family.

“It's really just overwhelming,” said Tricia Bushlack, Sabrina's mom. “ It's very humbling to see this many people come together for Sabrina. Everyone's prayers have helped her heal so much faster. She's making tremendous progress.

“She's been so excited for this weekend and has just been pumped to get back on campus and be here with her friends.”