Stacie Teevens Recognized By The CCC In Feature Story

Release courtesy of the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC).

Someone You Should Know: Endicott's Stacie Teevens

Endicott College senior field hockey midfielder Stacie Teevens can be described as not only the ideal Division III student-athlete, but a true embodiment of the three NCAA Division III ideals: "Discover, Develop, Dedicate." Division III student-athletes are encouraged to pursue interests beyond their sport and discover their passions that will lead them to a successful career. In doing this, they are able to develop themselves as strong members of the community and become well-rounded individuals. Finally, after doing all of this, they are dedicated to their sport while still facing the same challenges as the rest of the student body. The midfielder from Westborough, Mass. has managed to accomplish all three by succeeding in the classroom, excelling as a leader in her sport and serving as an ambassador in the local and global communities.

Stacie, a physical education major, developed a passion for youth sport that quickly resonated with her faculty. The Endicott Sport Science department recognized Stacie for her hard work in the classroom and selected her as one of four Endicott students to travel to London, England and serve as mentors at Loughborough University's Youth Sport Trust (YST) program. YST's prestigious week-long Youth Talent and Coaching Academy allowed Stacie and her peers to work with 9-15 year old youths who benefited from their mentors' dedication to enhancing YST's physical education curriculum.

The once-in-a-lifetime weeklong experience featured small workshops on the Loughborough campus for the participants, including presentations from guest speakers who ranged from Olympic coaches to the youngest females to ever climb Mount Everest. Although field hockey is the sport in which she excels, Stacie's passion is to inspire children, families, and people of all ages to develop their interest in making sport part of a healthy lifestyle regardless of the specific game or activity they choose.

Stacie discovered her desire to be an ambassador soon after arriving on the Endicott campus as a freshman. As a new student mentor for the past three years, she has been dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition for all incoming students. In this position, Stacie serves as a resource and helps new students discover all that Endicott has to offer, just as others did for her when she was a freshman. Stacie also serves as an ambassador for student-athletes as a member of Endicott's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Currently, she serves as the SAAC President, a role that allows her to further develop as a campus leader, while also serving as a voice for Blue and Green student-athletes.

A two-time All-CCC honoree in field hockey, Teevens has relished the leadership role that comes with serving as a two-year team captain. She played a significant role in organizing EC field hockey's first-ever "Youth Day" in which the Gulls helped young players discover their own passion for field hockey and further develop their skills and dedication to the game.

Endicott head field hockey coach Jodi Cipolla spoke glowingly of Stacie as a well-rounded member of the Endicott community. Cipolla stated, "Stacie is one of the pillars of our athletic department, our Sport Science department as well as our field hockey program. She is an outstanding student-athlete who represents all that we embody at Endicott. She is a young woman of tremendous character who holds herself and others to a standard of excellence." The seventh-year head coach also endorsed Stacie's work ethic adding, "Anyone who watches her on the playing field can attest that she is nonstop, 100% at all times. Every time she leaves the field, she leaves it all out there. Stacie is a true leader and the epitome of a Division III student-athlete."

Jodi Kenyon, Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator, also praises Stacie as an Endicott ambassador. "Stacie Teevens is an extraordinary young woman who is admired and respected across campus by coaches, faculty, staff and her peers. She is driven, passionate and determined and she has a unique leadership demeanor that people are drawn to. Stacie has not only been a leader on the field hockey team, she is a leader in the athletic department, in her classes and on campus. She has left an indelible impression here at Endicott and is one of those rare student-athletes who has set the bar high and helps others meet that standard."

Even though her collegiate playing career has come to an end, Stacie is still making the most of her experience at Endicott. She was chosen as one of 350 student-athletes from all three NCAA divisions to attend the 2013 NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum. Stacie will be a part of one of the largest non-competitive gatherings of NCAA student-athletes. The forum allows student-athletes to discuss key issues and provides an opportunity to enhance personal awareness and leadership skills needed to positively impact their development at the campus and conference levels, as well as beyond the collegiate realm.

Stacie Teevens has dedicated herself to leading others, while helping them to develop the skills necessary to discover their true passions and in the CCC, she is "Someone You Should Know."

Q&A with Stacie Teevens

What did you take away from your experience in London?

"We were fortunate enough to experience the academy in addition to offering our insight on how coaching differs in America. I learned so much while I was there. One of my favorite quotes from a workshop facilitator was, 'Sport is a tool used to coach; you don't coach a sport, you are coaching people'. I learned that coaching, sport, and physical activity are such good tools in teaching life lessons and that people are very capable, you just have to give them an opportunity in which they can succeed. My passion for quality physical education and sport definitely grew throughout my time at Loughborough."

How has being a student-athlete at Endicott benefited your college experience as a whole?

"Being a student-athlete at Endicott has benefited my college experience as a whole in so many ways. The people I have met, the things I've gotten to experience, and the places I've gotten to go would not have been possible without my involvement as a student-athlete. As a senior, I've recently been reflecting on my time at Endicott and my most triumphant moments and greatest memories are the ones that involve my coaches and teammates. Whether it was sitting next to teammates in the classroom or playing next to them on the field, I can't even imagine my college experience without them. It's hard to explain just how much of a positive impact this institution and being a student-athlete has made on my college experience."

How do you balance your different roles on campus as a student, athlete, and what you do outside of the Endicott community?

"Being able to balance my different roles on campus is truly a testament to the people in my support system at Endicott. I wouldn't have been able to be as involved as I was throughout my time here without the help of my professors, coaches, teammates, and staff. For example, I was living on campus this past summer taking a class, working with the Student Affairs office as a New Student Mentor (Orientation Leader), and preparing for field hockey. There were a few weeks at the end of the summer in which all three overlapped. My professor, coach, teammates, and the Student Affairs staff all worked with me to make sure I could accomplish everything I wanted to. Ultimately, I was able to play a huge role in planning a successful orientation for the incoming freshman, finish my thesis class, and make it to preseason field hockey sessions. I wouldn't have been able to balance everything without the understanding and support of the people at Endicott."

How has being a field hockey athlete prepared you for your career and beyond?

"Being a field hockey player has prepared me for my career by instilling in me a sense of excellence. My coach has always told me and my teammates that she doesn't expect perfection, but she does expect excellence. I've been held to a very high standard while I've been at Endicott, and I'm very appreciative of that. I'm sure I will carry that on as I enter my future career. I've learned that effort and attitude are often times the only things you can control when entering a situation. Giving your absolute best effort and having a positive mindset are invaluable concepts that I have learned as an athlete, and I am confident that as long as I keep them in mind as I go through the job application process and life itself, I will be successful."

What are your plans after graduation?

"After graduation, I hope to get a job as an elementary physical education teacher. I am incredibly passionate about getting young students to love moving and getting involved in physical activity. I would love to stay in this area of Massachusetts, but I'd be excited to pursue a career in physical education anywhere."