Bradley Tyer Jones, Sports Editor
The “core four” group of seniors on the field hockey team have proven to be level-headed individuals who love the sport as much as their team. From new Head Coach Haley Overstreet’s perspective, Mimi Wilson (C ‘25) is “tenacious,” Jenna Black (C ‘25) is “unapologetic,” Addison Cassada (C ‘25) is “The Counselor” and Claire Damare (C ‘25) is “driven.” Together, these four girls have overcome every obstacle yet remain committed and resilient.
Wilson, the captain of the team, first played field hockey in high school and fell in love with Sewanee during her visit. Since freshman year, Wilson has been involved in many organizations on campus. One main role, that mainly took place this year, was becoming president of PKE. When asked about the balance of leadership roles on and off the field, Wilson shares: “it was a true testament to a lot of my qualities: resiliency, perseverance, time management and leadership skills. I am so grateful for that because it showed me how much I can push myself.”
“We have a lot of heart, and I think that’s something that carried us through a lot. We had much determination, as well. Even when we had no subs, we would play men down and that separated us from our opponent.”
The seniors focus on what they can control, and understand that they are in this together. They dedicated themselves to their last season, and were able to see how far they’ve come when they beat Centre, a team that Sewanee has lost to for the past decade. Wilson scored her first collegiate goal in that game, and it brings a smile to every teammate’s face remembering that day.
In contrast to Wilson, Black has a different field hockey “coming of age story.” She was asked by athletic director, John Shackleford, to try out for the team when he realized they were short on numbers. Having no experience with the sport, she was a bit hesitant, but decided to test it out. She picked up on the game quickly and joined the team.
Cassada also joined the team in the spring of freshman year, and instantly clicked with the environment of the sport. Overstreet shares how it has been fun even watching their progress over this one year: “they just continue to grow, and to amaze me.”
The team has a tradition of driving around campus on game days, honking and yelling out the window announcing to everyone that they are about to start playing. This tradition pumps the team up, and successfully prepares them to step on the field. The seniors are going to miss many things, but this sweet tradition will be one to remain in their hearts forever.
Overstreet entered her role a couple weeks ago, moving up from her previous assistant coach position on the team. Although she began her assistant role in August 2024, she has still come to know the four senior girls well, and is highly impressed by their ability to prevail over the many hardships they have endured together. Both Overstreet and the seniors share that the program has encountered every challenge possible. The seniors have faced multiple head coaches, shifts in the program, etc. and still dedicated themselves to their sport, and their team.
When asked about advice she would give the seniors for after graduation, Overstreet did not hesitate to say: “Stay authentic to who you are, and don’t be afraid to set very ambitious goals.” She has no doubt that they will accomplish amazing things. Attached below is a picture of the senior’s final dinner with their coaches.