Jessica Caselden (far right) and other daughters of the prairie. (Photo courtesy Kassie O’Neil)
“This donation was an absolute no-brainer.”
Longtime Coupeville High School tennis guru Ken Stange, who recently retired after two decades at the helm of the Wolf net programs, is not here to bullshit you.
Through landmark wins and gut-wrenching losses, he always — ALWAYS — told it straight, whether that’s what you wanted to hear or not.
It has always been bracingly refreshing to listen to Stange let loose with his unvarnished opinions, so when he comes out 100% in support of something, I tend to listen.
And, since the subject at hand is us, the community, Wolf Nation itself, coming together to put a positive spin on a touchy subject, even better.
Jessica Caselden, who grew up frequently hanging out in the aisles of Videoville while waiting for dad Willie to finish his gardening magic outside, is a special one.
Always has been. Always will be.
She is a daughter of the prairie — a Wolf athlete, a Coupeville grad, a whip smart, kind and caring woman.
Sure, she went off to the big city for a bit, but then returned home to The Rock to rejoin her childhood companions as the group moves into marriages and children.
Like Mandi (Murdy) Black, Kassie (Lawson) O’Neil, and many others, Jessica could make more money on the mainland.
Instead, she chose to come back, buy her childhood home, and sink her roots into her community, as a teacher and role model for your children.
Hard at work at her alma mater on a Friday night. (Mandi Black photo)
When Coupeville High School was able to add her to its roster as a paid athletic trainer a year ago, it was a huge victory.
That budget cuts now threaten to take that away is a huge step back, one which runs in direct conflict with everything the district stands for with its commitment to the next generation.
And yet, we have a chance to save the position, something which can’t be always said for other financial casualties.
We raise $8,600 and district administrators have committed to allow the community to fund the position for the 2023-2024 school year.
While sending a clear message the district needs to find a way to work this invaluable position back into its own budget after that.
As I type this, 39 people have said yes, and we’ve raised $3,600.
We can get there. We must get there.
Why?
Listen to what some of our coaches have to say:
Erin Jenks:
Coupeville is near and dear to my heart, and I want what’s best for their student-athletes.
I had the privilege of teaching and coaching at CMS for two years, and while I have never met Ms. Caselden, I know the importance of an athletic trainer to prevent injuries and help maintain an athletic program.
I enjoy keeping up with the latest stories involving my former students by reading “Coupeville Sports.”
While it’s hard to watch budget cuts continue to impact Coupeville staff, I’m happy to be able to contribute to someone keeping an important position.
Brad Sherman:
As a coach, I can tell you that having Jessy on staff as a trainer has been a game changer.
Injury concerns can be addressed immediately, and as coaches, we have constant communication from a qualified trainer who truly cares about our athletes regarding how to best manage return to play.
It also allows for greater focus on injury prevention that Jessy has the time and expertise to adequately address.
For basketball, the minute school ends, Jessy has a line of players getting ankles taped, or being looked at and evaluated for other ongoing concerns.
Not to mention, with Jessy on staff, we have someone qualified to evaluate potential concussions in real time at all of our home events.
With the increased scrutiny on head injuries in recent years as research evolves, I really can’t tell you what a comfort this is as a coach to know our athletes have a greater level of care present in our gym.
I would strongly urge people to give to this effort.
Ken Stange:
This donation was an absolute no-brainer.
If you ever played tennis for me, or if you’re a parent who had a kid that played for me, I ask you to donate what you can.
Having an athletic trainer is not a luxury. It is a necessity.
What’s more, Ms. Caselden is a true professional who is there for all the athletes.
To join the cause, you can use our GoFundMe:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/protect-inspire-wolf-athletes
Or contact me at davidsvien@hotmail.com if you prefer to donate in another way.
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