When Hallie Crozier faced the fight of her life, she wasn’t alone. What began as a severe headache quickly became a medical emergency, altering the course of her life.
Now, as she navigates the long road to recovery, her family, teammates, friends and the Ferris community stand firmly by her side, proving that in hardship, true strength is unity.
The day after her 20th birthday, on Oct. 30, 2024, Crozier developed a severe headache. Unsure whether to attend class, a friend offered to drive, but during the drive, Crozier made the urgent decision to head to the hospital instead.
While undergoing a CT scan, her condition suddenly worsened and doctors determined she was experiencing a brain bleed. She was immediately airlifted to Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids for immediate and extensive care.
Within 23 hours of her initial headache, Crozier had undergone two major brain surgeries. During the second procedure, doctors discovered an acute vascular malformation, a tangle of blood vessels, had caused the swelling and bleeding.
As the Crozier family rushed to catch the first available flight to Michigan, they had no idea what to expect upon arrival.
But when they walked into the hospital waiting room, they were met with an overwhelming outpouring of support.
Close friends, teammates, coaches, parents of team members and even President Bill Pink were there, waiting with compassion for the Crozier family.
After weeks of uncertainty and intensive care in Grand Rapids, Crozier reached a significant milestone in her recovery, one that meant the world to her family.
On Dec. 6, just 38 days after her sudden brain injury, weather conditions and her improving stability allowed her to be airlifted back to Canada. She was transferred to a hospital in Saskatoon, bringing her closer to home and the unwavering support of her loved ones.
Throughout Crozier’s recovery, one thing has remained constant, the overwhelming support from those around her. From teammates and coaches to friends and even strangers, the Crozier family has been surrounded by encouragement and kindness.
Among those who know her best, Kamryn Shannon shared what makes Crozier so special.
“Being teammates created such a strong bond, but beyond that, Crozier is just one of those people who lights up any room she walks into,” Shannon said. “She’s endlessly kind, funny and genuinely cares about the people around her.”
Shannon reflected on Crozier’s unwavering kindness and ability to uplift those around her, describing her as the kind of friend who was always there—whether on or off the course. She emphasized that Crozier’s support extended to teammates, friends and anyone in need.
Now, as Crozier faces an unimaginable challenge, Shannon noted that the same people she once stood by are now rallying around her in return.
Shannon wanted to do more. Within the first few days of Crozier’s hospitalization, she began thinking of a way to let people show support. That’s when she came up with the idea of the blue ribbon campaign.
The campaign took off in November of 2024 when Ferris State’s athletic teams showed their support. Both the football and hockey teams wore helmet decals with Crozier’s initials, HC, while members of the men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, volleyball and cross-country teams had the stickers on their jerseys.
On March 25, 2025, a table was set up at a women in sports panel event.
Attendees stopped by to pick up blue ribbons and leave messages of encouragement for Hallie and the Crozier family. Even those who had never met Hallie personally felt compelled to share their support, moved by her story and strength.
For Crozier’s father, Trevor Crozier, the messages the family has received have been especially meaningful.
“We’ve gotten beautiful messages from people we never knew, people Hallie may not have even realized she impacted,” Trevor said. “As a parent, that’s the greatest thing you can hear.”
According to her father, Crozier never took life for granted. She understood how lucky she was and made it a point to live with gratitude and kindness.
The phrase “humble and kind,” is permanently inked on her right arm. Her father recognized that the simple message served as a daily motivation for her to be the best version of herself.
No matter where she was—on the course, in the classroom, or with friends—she embodied those values, always aiming to uplift those around her.
“If there’s one thing I want people to take from Hallie’s story, it’s the importance of showing up for each other,” Shannon said. “To love deeply, to be present and to never take a single moment for granted.”
Crozier’s journey highlights the strength of friendship, community and support. Regardless of how long the path ahead may be, one thing is certain: she will not face it alone.
For Coach Stark, Crozier’s impact on the golf team is difficult to fully describe.
Her energy and authenticity were contagious, making everyone feel valued. She was always true to herself, unafraid to show her personality and that genuine nature had a positive effect on her teammates.
Stark noted that, though highly competitive, Crozier’s focus was always on supporting those around her and helping them grow. Crozier wasn’t just a competitor; she was a leader who genuinely cared about the success of everyone on the team.
Reflecting on Crozier’s journey and her recovery ahead, Coach Stark shared the sadness felt by the entire team.
“In the age of news cycles, it’s easy to move on quickly to the next thing,” Stark said. “But I urge everyone to keep Hallie in your thoughts as she continues her recovery. We miss having her with us and our golf family will never be the same without her.”
Crozier continues to make strides in her recovery, showing signs of progress that bring hope to those around her.
In recent weeks, Crozier has been working closely with an occupational therapy team that has been guiding her family in assisting with physical therapy. The team has also focused on adjusting her chair to ensure it is both safe and comfortable.
Now, preparations are underway to transition Crozier from the ICU to a rehabilitation facility, a significant milestone in her journey.
Her medical team has confirmed that she is stable and ready for the move once all arrangements are finalized. While any transition comes with challenges and uncertainty, this step brings hope for continued healing in a more home-like environment.
Crozier’s progress is a testament to her strength and the unwavering support of those around her. As she moves forward, her journey remains an inspiring story of perseverance and hope.