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| Windham High graduate Sadie Nelson went on to play college basketball for the University of New England and is now a graduate assistant coach at Cedar Crest College in Pennsylvania. PHOTO BY DAVID BATES |
When Windham alumna Sadie Nelson looks back on her time during high school, it’s hard for her to not think about all the memories that she was able to create through sports.
Sports has had a very positive effect on her life. Nelson is currently an assistant women’s basketball coach and graduate student at Cedar Crest College in Pennsylvania going for her master’s degree in Education: Art of Teaching.
Nelson graduated in 2016, and while at Windham High School played soccer, basketball and softball. She is a member of basketball’s Thousand-Point Club.
After Windham, Nelson went on to the University of New England where she played basketball and graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. While at UNE her team won two Commonwealth Coast Conference championships and had two appearances in the NCAA Tournament.
UNE’s Head Women’s basketball coach Anthony Ewing said Nelson brought a great work ethic and desire to get better and win. She worked hard in practice every day, leading by example. She was a versatile player both offensively and defensively.
“Basketball put me in scenarios that have made me a stronger person today,” said Nelson. “I tore my ACL my sophomore year of college and that was one of my hardest years to date. I knew that I had to put my all into my recovery if I wanted to come back stronger than I was before.”
Nelson did come back stronger the following year and was nominated a First Team All-Conference player.
After UNE, she knew she had more to give the game and wanted to explore the coaching field in order to see the game from another perspective.
Coach Ewing, reached out to her about coaches looking for graduate basketball assistants. Nelson jumped at the chance.
At first, it was hard for her to get out of the player mindset; she later found that mindset helped her relate to, teach and motivate her players.
Nelson said being part of the coaching staff has really opened her eyes to a lot of the hard work that goes into coaching a team.
“Sadie brings ... a great level of experience,” said Cedar Crest College women’s basketball coach Kenric Carter. “By playing basketball for a good program in college, playing in the Division III NCAA tournament, she understands what it takes to win as a player which correlates to her becoming a good coach. I am very happy to have Sadie as my assistant and I am looking forward to seeing her grow as a coach.”
Nelson sets goals for herself in sports and life and does what it takes to get there. She said it’s important to note she’s failed just as much as she’s succeeded. Athletics have helped her achieve many of her goals and she’s very grateful for this.
“Hard work ... can lead to opportunities you couldn’t have gotten without it,” said Nelson.
She plans to use her master’s degree to further herself in athletics and would like to be a head coach or athletic director someday.
Her advice to students who would like to continue their athletic careers after high school is to advocate for and put yourself out there. It’s important to understand the task at hand and take every opportunity that arises. Set goals for yourself and know the little things matter; be in the moment and don’t take anything for granted.
When Nelson is not on the court, she’s found a new passion for running and is currently training for her first half marathon this summer. She has taken her time to get used to and explore new places, being new to the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania. Nelson also took up golf last summer and plans to get out on the course soon.
“Being an athlete will always be a part of who I am, but it doesn’t truly define me,” said Nelson. “It gave me the qualities and lessons that will lead me to my next stop in the road and luckily for me I get to continue to wake up and do what I love every day.” <
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