CAPTURING SADIE: A Gorgeous Model and Mind

Meet Sadie! Today, we celebrate her 16th birthday and her incredible journey as part of the Teen Team. Sadie is a sophomore at Woodridge High School, where she thrives academically, athletically, and socially. She embodies everything the Teen Team stands for—friendship, confidence, and embracing individuality. Through her commitment to sports, her devotion to family, and her pursuit of academic excellence, Sadie is an inspiration to everyone around her.

A Passion for Sports and Academics

Sadie’s passion for sports is undeniable. She is a dedicated athlete who balances softball and academics, putting in countless hours of training and practice to continuously improve. During the winter season, she played as the point guard for the Woodridge JV basketball team, where her leadership and quick decision-making skills shined. Now, in the spring, she transitions to softball, playing as a pitcher and second baseman for the Woodridge varsity team. The thrill of competition and the deep bond she shares with her teammates make every game a rewarding experience for her.

Beyond her school team, Sadie takes her love for softball to the next level by playing premier travel softball for the Ohio Emeralds during the summer. Last year, her team had the incredible opportunity to compete at Nationals in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina—an experience she will never forget. She loves the camaraderie, the challenge of high-level competition, and the lifelong friendships she’s built through the sport.

Sadie’s commitment to sports is matched by her dedication to her academics. She is currently enrolled in all honors classes and is passionate about her studies. Her favorite subjects include science and anatomy, which align perfectly with her career aspirations. She dreams of becoming a physical therapist, specifically working with athletes recovering from injuries. Her goal is to help others get back to doing what they love, just as she has been fortunate enough to do throughout her athletic career. Additionally, she is an active member of the United Club, a group dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusivity for students with special needs. Through this club, she helps create opportunities for these students to participate in athletics, further showcasing her kindness and leadership.

A Heart Full of Love and Resilience

Sadie’s love for softball goes beyond just playing the game—it is deeply connected to her family, especially her late father. She first picked up a glove at the age of three, and from that moment on, she was hooked. Her father, who was an accomplished baseball player, introduced her to the sport and shared his knowledge and love for the game with her. Tragically, he passed away from Hodgkin’s lymphoma when she was just five years old, but his legacy continues to live on through Sadie.

To honor her father, Sadie wears his lucky number, #3, on her jersey. Every time she steps up to bat, she touches her heart and points to the sky in his memory, a ritual that keeps him close to her during every game. His influence has shaped her into the determined, hardworking athlete she is today.

Though she lost her father at a young age, Sadie has found unwavering love and support from her Papa, who has stepped in as a father figure in her life. From teaching her the fundamentals of softball to cheering her on at every game, he has been by her side every step of the way. Now, as she learns how to drive, she looks forward to making him proud by passing her test. The special bond they share is something she cherishes, and she is beyond grateful for his constant encouragement.

Overcoming Challenges with Strength

Two and a half years ago, Sadie was diagnosed with celiac disease, a condition that requires her to follow a strict gluten-free diet. At first, the adjustment was challenging—having to give up some of her favorite foods and learn to navigate social situations where food is involved. However, Sadie approached this challenge with the same resilience she brings to sports and academics. She quickly learned how to manage her condition without letting it take away from the things she loves.

After being diagnosed with celiac disease, it was a huge life adjustment. It was hard watching all her friends and family eat things she used to love. But after getting used to it, it doesn’t bother her at all now, and she’s learned it’s better to just pack food everywhere she goes. She adjusted pretty fast, and her diet has been pretty successful since. To people finding out they need to cut out gluten, she would recommend finding a few brands or foods they really like and always keeping them on hand. And most importantly, she reminds others "that one bite of gluten is not worth risking their health or making them sick."

Now, she is an expert at finding gluten-free alternatives and has discovered new favorite foods along the way. Erie Street Kitchen in downtown Kent is her go-to restaurant because of its delicious gluten-free options, allowing her to enjoy a meal out without worry. She hopes to inspire others with celiac disease by showing them that they can still live a full and active life.

The Teen Team Experience

Sadie has found a second family through the Teen Team, a group that has helped her grow in confidence and form meaningful friendships. From the very first shoot, she felt welcomed by the incredible girls on the team, who constantly lift each other up and create a supportive environment. She loves the energy and excitement of every photoshoot, as well as the opportunity to express herself in a fun and creative way. You can read about the connections the girls have made with each other in the Christmas blog, where each of the girls wrote about other girls they have connected with on the Teen Team.

One of her favorite moments on the Teen Team was the fair shoot, where she bonded with Liv and Ava. They made her feel incredibly welcomed, and their connection has only grown stronger since then. Another standout memory was during the birthday shoot when she and Mia couldn’t stop laughing about how much their heels were hurting. These small but meaningful moments have made her experience on the Teen Team truly unforgettable.

Sadie encourages anyone thinking about joining the Teen Team to take the leap. “The girls are all so kind and uplifting,” she says. “Davinda and Lily are incredibly creative and make every shoot fun. It’s such an exciting experience, and I have built friendships that will last a lifetime.”

Looking Toward the Future

When it comes to her future, Sadie has a simple dream—she just wants to play softball. Unlike some athletes who are set on playing at a particular school, she is open to any opportunity that allows her to continue playing the sport she loves. Whether it’s Division I, II, or III, her main focus is getting on the field and making an impact. She is currently exploring different schools and considering her options but knows that as long as she is playing, she will be happy.

Academically, she plans to major in exercise science and minor in Spanish. Right now, her goal is to become a pediatric physical therapist, though she acknowledges that her career path may evolve over time. No matter where she ends up, she is determined to continue helping others and making a difference in the world.

Ten years from now, she sees herself starting her physical therapy career. She hopes to be coaching a travel softball team and traveling with them every summer. She also hopes to be living somewhat close to all of her friends and family.

Words to Live By

Sadie’s motto is simple but powerful: “Go big or go home.” Whether it’s in sports, school, or friendships, she believes in giving 100% to everything she does. She pours her heart into her passions, and it’s this dedication that makes her truly special.

Sadie, you are a remarkable young woman with a bright future ahead! Your dedication, resilience, and kindness inspire those around you, and we are so proud to have you as part of the Teen Team. Keep chasing your dreams, lifting up those around you, and being the amazing person you are!