Devon Suess: The Total Package On and Off the Field

THE WOODLANDS, TX - Welcome to this week's version of Woodlands Online Student/Athlete of the Week.

This week's subject is the total package as she embodies the very description of what it takes to be a student athlete. A student athlete excels in both academics and athletics and is a good example to those around them on and off the field.

Do you need to be the captain of the team you play on? No, but it doesn't hurt and in this case she actually is.

Without any further ado, please meet the senior Co-Captain of The Woodlands High School Women's Lacrosse team, the ever so selfless, Devon Suess.

How long have you been playing lacrosse and why did it win out over other sports?

I have been playing lacrosse since eighth grade. Well, technically I tried it out for the fall season in fifth grade, but immediately went back to just playing softball. I had played softball since I was six and continued playing up until freshman year. I also tried both soccer and gymnastics before trying lacrosse for the first time. A few years later some of my friends encouraged me to try lacrosse again and I simply fell in love with the sport. I loved the feeling of playing a sport where you have to rely on your teammates to help you succeed.

Describe the TWHS lacrosse team:

The Woodlands varsity lacrosse team is the most fun and athletic group of girls I know. I enjoy playing for the Highlanders because of the friendships I have made with my teammates, especially the memories we have made on and off the field together. I love each of the girls and believe we all contribute different abilities that make our team special. I think this starts with Coach Amy, who I look up to and enjoy being coached by. I count on Mackenzie “Kool-Whip” Kulick and EB Billig on low defense and know they have my back no matter what. Every time we get a defensive turnover it’s always Kool-Whip running the ball up the field. The other midfielders are absolutely fantastic. Emily Traweek and Ashleigh Dixon have the best draw control, and Rayne Dobson can always be seen swooping in and grabbing the ball off the draw. Jesse Cole is not only one of my favorite people, but such a rock-solid goalie that has saved us too many times to count. From Grace Renaud on the defensive side and Mia Kouletsis on attack, we have a well-rounded team with each girl making a strong impact.

Do you enjoy attending The Woodlands High School?

TWHS certainly has its ups and downs. I don’t love the huge size of the school or the advanced classes I need to take to stay competitive, but at the same time both of those have definitely helped prepare me for college. I am so thankful for the friendships I have made through the school and for the teachers and faculty I got to meet along the way.

What college will you be attending this coming fall?

In the fall, I will be attending Louisiana State University and plan on majoring in psychology with a minor in business. Geaux Tigers!

What are your long-range plans upon graduating for LSU?

After I graduate from college, I hope to attend graduate school to further my studies in the field of psychology. Down the road, I intend to become a therapist, crisis counselor, or of a similar job.

What do you like doing away from school and lacrosse?

I absolutely enjoy being outside no matter what I’m doing. I love going on walks and hikes, playing spike-ball and tennis with my friends, and going out to eat at the same few places my friends and I like in The Woodlands area each weekend.

Who is your role model for lacrosse?

I had the opportunity to play lacrosse with Shae Murphy my sophomore year. She is an amazing player and person, on and off the field. She was on varsity for all four years of her high school experience, and was MVP her senior year. She is currently in Israel trying out for the Israeli women’s lacrosse team. I would definitely say she is a huge role model for me. Not only her lacrosse abilities, but her positive attitude, persistence, and drive for success are such qualities I look up to.

Describe how supportive your family is in everything you do in your life:

My parents are the most supportive people. In every sport I’ve played, they always do their best to make each game, and if they can’t I always get a text telling me something along the lines of good luck and to kick butt. I can always hear my dad yelling for me from the sidelines whenever I’m in a game. They also have always supported me with my school work, and have been there for me no matter what. I love my whole family, and I know how blessed I am to have such great parents.

If you were given a million dollars to donate to a charity, which charity would receive it?

I would give it all to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This is a group that helps fund blood cancer research. I was a part of fundraising for LLS sophomore year, and got to learn a lot more about blood cancers and would love to help make more of a difference for patients' treatments.

What are three things people don't know about Devon Suess?

I am one of five girls in my family, am colorblind, and I wish I could sing.

When is the last time you danced? You any good?

Let's see, the last time I danced was a few weeks ago at my National Charity League Senior Recognition. After the ceremony, they opened up the dance floor and we got to dance to all the best songs, old and new. I’m not good at dancing but I have fun while doing it, so it's perfect.

Do you have a favorite song?
I honestly couldn’t even tell you my very favorite song at this time. I have been listening to the album, Fearless (Taylor’s Version) nonstop though since it was recently released.

Your favorite movie of all time?

My favorite movie of all time probably has to be either Independence Day or Miracles from Heaven, which is funny because those two movies are about as opposite as movies can be.

Are you spiritual?

I go to church at St. Anthony's and I've been raised in a very faithful household. As I've grown older, my faith has become even more my own.

If you were sentenced to death, but were allowed to go on one last date, who would be the lucky guy?

If I were sentenced to death but allowed to go on one last date, I would want to meet Chris Hemsworth. I have loved the dude since I first saw a movie with him in it. My favorite avenger is Thor, and surprise - Chris Hemsworth plays that role. (If anyone asks though, I definitely said I would take my boyfriend.)

Upon meeting Devon, you'd first notice her outgoing, personable demeanor. That is no smokescreen as she is like that for 24 hours every day. As for being a captain of the lacrosse team, she is more than deserving of that title. She is so down to earth and level headed and never hesitates to check in on the underclassmen. The team has an activity called Big Green-Little Red. The upperclassmen choose their 'little' friends. Devon chose two of the newest freshmen so she could act like a big sister and help them learn and grow so they can be better lacrosse players and feel like they are part of the team right away. When there are informal practices led by the seniors, she always offers to drive the ones who don't have rides even if they live far away. When one JV player was called up for the Lamar game and was about to take the Draw, Devon could tell she was very nervous and didn't put any pressure on her to win. Afterwards, she texted the young player to tell her she was so proud of her, and even though we lost she expressed how great she felt the underclassman played.

The team has a new assistant coach for whom is learning the women's game. Unlike the men's game, the girl's game can seem complicated. Devon always takes a minute to make the new coach feel welcome and part of the team. She seems to have a knack for knowing when someone needs some attention and she always acts on it.

Some college students declare a major before they even arrive at the school. By the time they graduate, they'll have had four majors before they settle on something they are comfortable with. With Devon, you just know her major in Psychology will not change.

Like many CISD students, Devon is obviously wise beyond her years.

Good luck in the playoffs, Devon!

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