The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Her personal story
07.31.2011 | Football
July 31, 2011
Harrison Lindsey, Texas Media Relations
Sarah Panzau shouldn't be here. The officers at the scene gave her a zero percent chance of living. After numerous surgeries, pain, and even losing her left arm, Panzau is very much alive. However elated to be walking today, she still lives with the decision that she made to drive after a night of drinking.
Panzau was an all-American volleyball player for her junior college at the time of her accident. After her long and painful recovery, she understood that she needed to help others from committing the error that drastically changed her life.
"Right after my crash, I basically came out of the hospital and I never felt sorry for myself. I made my choice, I understood that," said Panzau. "I had known that I was saved for a reason, and I wanted to get out and share my story."
The Texas football team invited Panzau to share her story, along with her life lessons, to help the players understand the dangers of drinking and driving.
While most players have heard messages on drunk driving before, Panzau's was unlike any other. Senior offensive lineman Tray Allen spoke on how her unique presentation positively impacted the team.
"We get told these types of things without any visual representation, and to have Sarah come and tell her story, being a college athlete just like us, and showing her visible scars, it really touched home," said Allen. "Her interaction with us, and her presentation really made it much more beneficial to us."
Despite her scars, loss of a limb, and having to recount the horrific night that changed her life, Panzau carried herself with a positive attitude, full of fun and happiness. Senior center David Snow felt Panzau's attitude helped players pay greater attention.
"She is very charismatic. I think it really hit home that she could relate to us," said Snow. "She was really outspoken and could connect to us in a really fun way. She was throwing some jokes in there that were pretty fun, so I think that got us to pay attention to her more."
However unique or funny her presentation was, all words and actions were focused on helping the players prevent an accident similar to hers.
"I just want to get up in front of them so that if they are ever faced with that decision, maybe they'll remember me," Panzau said. "If I can touch one of these guy's lives in here, and make them think differently, then I get the chance to save somebody's life."