For this Student/Athlete, Humility Rocks

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

Our subject this week is quite a bit more than just a student athlete. To limit this individual to just two things she's gifted at would be selling her short. We'll get into her many talents in a little bit.

To be honest, you can be good at however many things you want, but if you have the personality of a snob on steroids thinking you are God's gift to the world, your outwardly talents won't be worth jack-squat. How do you project yourself to others? Are you a giver or a taker? Is the most important item in your life serving others?

My point? This really cool human being is best described by her strong faith in that with everything she is involved in, she will always go by her church's (The Woodlands United Methodist Church) motto, 'I am second'.

In short, she 'gets it'. Just because she is good at something, she doesn't feel she is entitled to anything extra. In fact, she'll gladly give everything she has to someone in need. Even her GMC Terrain!

You're about to find out who this is...

She started singing at 18 months and had no problem performing even at that age. In picking up a guitar and taking lessons starting around the fifth grade, she could read and write music shortly thereafter. A natural, she has played in singer songwriter events/local venues. I know...I've attended one and was amazed. That night, I asked her mom why she wastes her time with sports...or really even school because she is obviously super talented. But you know what? You'd never know any of this because she's not an exhibitionist.

I'd like you to meet the best sophomore lacrosse goaltender on the planet as well as the humblest person I know, my friend...

TWHS's Jesse Cole...

1) How long have you been playing lacrosse? How did you become interested in lacrosse?
What other sports did you play growing up and why did lacrosse win out?

I’ve been playing the great sport of lacrosse for about 6 years now, and I enjoy it more every single day. There wasn’t really a specific reason I started playing lacrosse. All I remember was telling my mom one day “I want to try that!” and now here we are. Of course, I tried pretty much every sport but nothing seemed to stick. I was too in love with passing butterflies to be any good at soccer, not flexible enough to be good at gymnastics, not coordinated enough for dancing, and I went cross-eyed every time I tried to play tennis. Thankfully, lacrosse seemed to be my thing because I was running out of things to try, and I fell in love with the sport. That being said, I didn’t always know I wanted to be a goalie. I started off as an attack/midfielder but had pretty bad growing pains in my right knee and had to take time off. It just so happened that my team needed a goalie, so I tried it out, didn’t go cross eyed, and decided to stick with it.

2) Describe the 2021 TWHS women's varsity lacrosse team and why you enjoyed playing for the Highlanders?

I love this team with all of my heart, even if it doesn’t always show. They are the best group of girls I’ve ever played with and I enjoyed every second of this season. This year's seniors were truly the most amazing girls on and off the field. I know I can always count on EB Billig, Grace Renaud, and Makenzie Kulick (Kool-Whip) to shut down any 1V1 coming my way, and that they’ll always have my back even when I get frustrated with them, and vice-versa. Aly Petty and Devon Suess are such leaders on the field and I can trust them both to get the ball up the field and take care of it on attack. Last, but definitely not least, one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met and one of my closest friends on the team, Emily (EG) Traweek. This girl is not only skilled as heck on the field, but she cares (which isn’t something that can be said about everyone). I swear we can communicate telepathically as she is ALWAYS open on the field when I need her. I never thought I’d meet another person who cares so much and gets so frustrated with themselves that they angry cry... but ummm we both do that really well. Not only do we have phenomenal seniors, but every other person on our team never stops working. We have so many potential leaders and talented people and I can’t wait to see what we have in store as a unit in the years to come.

All of that being said, we wouldn’t be anywhere without our coach. Coach Amy Markwort is everyone’s biggest fan and will do almost anything to help us succeed (she draws the line at committing crimes). She pushes us to work hard and reach our full potential, but is also there for us anytime we need. Although she can be scary at times, she always has our backs, and I know I can always count on her.

3) Do you like TWHS?

I feel very blessed to live in the Woodlands, and I like the high school just as much as you can love any school that makes you wake up at the crack of dawn. I do think that they might have something against me though because I almost NEVER have classes with my friends. I’ve had a great two years so far at TWHS, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t counting down the days till summer.

4) What colleges are you looking into attending? Do you know what your field of study will be?

To be honest, I really have no idea where I want to go. Right now, I’ve been looking into Vanderbilt up in Tennessee, not only because it’s a great school, but also because Morgan Wallen may or may not live in the area...

I can see myself pursuing many different careers, as I enjoy so many different things. I may do something in criminal justice, own my own little bakery, or even become a country music star. Who knows?

5) What do you hope to be doing after you graduate from college?

After college, again, I’m not quite sure what I want to do. But if you’re really interested, check back with me in a year or two and I may have a better answer. Then again, it’s also possible I may still be clueless...

6) What do you enjoy doing away from school and lacrosse?

Outside of lacrosse (which isn’t very often) most of the time I’ll hang out with friends or work out. I love to run which I get from my dad, as he never (and I mean NEVER) stops running. This is something that I get made fun of for daily by my teammates, as many don’t expect goalies to be able to run, with the exception of Mathew Nunes, of course. You will most likely also find me at the gym, where I’m told I look like I want to kill everyone there, but I swear I enjoy it I just have a pretty bad RBF. (Editor's note: Old People...message and I will define RBF. Yes, I was clueless, too)

7) Who is your role model for lacrosse?

I have so many role models for lacrosse, the main one being Scotty Rodgers, who I got to meet just this last year. Although he is one of the scariest looking people you will ever meet, his love for the sport is just crazy. He is phenomenal in the goal, but he worked his butt off to get to the pro league. Not only is he one of the most talented goalies you’ll meet, but his ability to teach and spread joy through lacrosse is so enviable.

8) Describe how supportive your family is in everything you do in your life.

Just thinking about this question makes me smile, because I know I won in the parent department. One of my parents has always been at every single one of my games, along with my brother who has come to most if not all. To tell you that they are the loudest ones in the stands and that they are always cheering me on is a lie. They are the opposite in that they respect the game and the players enough to let us do our thing. They believe in my ability along with my teams' ability, and they always support me no matter what. They have sacrificed endless amounts of time and money to let me do what I love and for that I’m incredibly thankful. I know they’ll always be along for the ride, and that they are always my #1 fans.

9) If you were given a million dollars and had to give it to one charity, which one would you choose and why?

Ok, I’m technically going to answer this question incorrectly, but oh well. If I had a million dollars, I would put it towards helping one of my closest friends. Claire Swanson is one of the kindest, most special people I know, and is one of the strongest people you’ll meet. She has struggled with so many aspects of an illness (Mast Cell Disorder) that still hasn’t quite been figured out over the years. To be able to help her in her battle to get back to a normal, painless life would be a dream. That being said, if there was money left over, I would donate it to a charity dedicated to mission work around the world. Clearly, I would do some more research first, as I don’t even have a specific one in mind, but I’ll get back to you if I ever end up with the money to do so.

10) Three things that people don't know about you.

I am allergic to water (yes, it’s a real thing and yes, I can shower).

I love to bake and have a dangerous sweet tooth.

Country music is life. And I’ve been known to grab the guitar and sing for a crowd on occasion.

11) When is the last time you danced? Where? You any good?

The last time I danced was in the parking lot at chiller bee trying to teach my friends how to two-step. Unfortunately, I am an awful dancer, and we didn’t get anywhere with that.

12) What is your favorite song in your phone now? Do you have a favorite group?

My favorite song right now is Drunk (and I don’t wanna go home) by Elle King and Miranda Lambert. That being said, I could listen to Morgan Wallen anytime. Along with Morgan, I love Alan Jackson, Kelsea Ballerini, Maddie and Tae, Luke Combs, and so many more. Oh, and don’t get me wrong, I love me some good Taylor Swift.

13) Your favorite movie of all time.

The Greatest Showman. I think it’s one of the greatest movies ever made, and I could watch it over and over and over again for the rest of my life. Every single song on the album is a hit, and honestly if you disagree, I don’t think we should be friends. Sorry not sorry.

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

If I had one last date, I would spend it with my older sister. Technically this answer is wrong because it wouldn’t actually be a date, but oh well we’ll call it a sister-date. Lauren is the best role model and built-in best friend anyone could ask for, and she would make my last moments the best of my life. We could sit and talk for hours, and she would reassure me with the glories of Heaven waiting for me on the other side of the death sentence. She’s also great at finding yummy food, and I guess a good meal isn’t a bad way to go out.

Because of Jesse's last answer, I had to seek out her sister, Lauren for a quote.

'Jesse’s performance and success in lacrosse is merely a reflection of her universal ability and character. It is in her nature to silently pursue greatness and she doesn’t depend on validation but simply the satisfaction that she serves something much greater. Although she is competitive and is invested emotionally in most of what she does, she has a perspective that allows her to not only stay grounded but also pour into many areas of her life. She is one of the most capable people I know and her many talents including lacrosse, athleticism, music, leadership, humor, intelligence, etc. are a joy to be a witness to.'

If you really know Jesse, you already know Lauren's not just being complementary because she's related to her. Jesse is all of that and more. She is most assuredly the genuine article. You may be thinking...Well, I kind of know Jesse and I do believe everything I'm reading, but I didn't see it beforehand.

You know what? That's the beauty in Jesse. Like Lauren stressed, she doesn't need validation. Jesse is completely content in who she is and who she is not. She carries on in life being the best she can be. In athletics, she is so infatuated with the mere idea of doing her best and winning, she appears to be almost unapproachable. She is though. She's just focused on the task at hand. Whether she's performing on stage, on an athletic field, learning about what her friend, Claire has to deal with every day, doing school work, baking a cake and everything else this beautiful person involves herself with, she is going 100% at all times.

Those close to Jesse know she is super talented in the music arena, but it is hard to pursue all of your interests in High School, so lacrosse typically wins out. We all just hope she eventually finds the time to devote to her music. There is just no doubt she'll rock that industry!

Music might have to wait just a little longer as with the lacrosse season she just had, colleges are noticing.

In the meantime, we'll just keep her here and enjoy her journey.

What I'm concerned about is Jesse admitting she's allergic to water. Well, not really because a person like her doesn't have enemies. I guess if she ever gets one, that person can go to Walmart and buy the place out of squirt guns. Nah, that's mean!

Hey Jesse...Keep rocking it on and off the lacrosse field!


Writer's note: If you'd like to learn more about Mast Cell Disorder and how you can help create awareness, click here: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/health-a-z/mast-cell-diseases/

Look for an article about MCD on Woodlands Online in the near future.

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