SadieLyn Combs

Speakers: Kayla Groth and SadieLyn Combs

Kayla Groth: I'm Kayla Groth with the student athlete oral history project at Wells College. Today's date is November 9th, 2023. I'm in Zabriskie Hall at Wells College with SadieLyn Combs. This is an unrehearsed recorded interview. Thank you for joining us today.

SadieLyn Combs: Thank you.

Kayla Groth: So I'd like to begin by getting to know more about your background. Could you start by telling us about yourself, like your full name, date of birth and where you were born?

SadieLyn Combs: My name is SadieLyn Combs. I was born February 17th, 2005. And I was born in Binghamton, New York.

Kayla Groth: Um, is there any significance behind your name?

SadieLyn Combs: Um, yeah, I was named after my family members. So, my grandma and my great grandma was named Sadie. My aunt was named Lynn. And my last name is from my father.

Kayla Groth: So where did you live growing up?

SadieLyn Combs: So I lived in Harpursville. It's around 15 minutes from Binghamton. It's a very small, everybody knows everyone. And it's not much to it.

Kayla Groth: Did you ever move or were you in Harpursville your entire life?

SadieLyn Combs: I was in Harpursville my entire life.

Kayla Groth: What was it like there?

SadieLyn Combs: It was quiet there for the most part. Very personal. Everywhere... You go to the Family Dollar and you know everyone, and that's about the only store that we had there.

Kayla Groth: Yeah. So was there a neighborhood? Or was there any houses around?

SadieLyn Combs: There was. I lived in town, so I was pretty close to everyone else.

Kayla Groth: Can you tell me a little about the people that you lived with growing up?

SadieLyn Combs: So I lived with my mom, my stepdad and my four siblings. It was very chaotic. Since all the siblings were a lot older than me, they always liked 00:02:00to tease and play. But overall, it was very nice childhood.

Kayla Groth: So it was probably very crowded. That was all in one house?

SadieLyn Combs: Yes. Yes.

Kayla Groth: Are you the first person in your family to go to college?

SadieLyn Combs: I am not.

Kayla Groth: Who else has gone, if you know?

SadieLyn Combs: My mom went to college. My two siblings did, also.

Kayla Groth: So the next set of questions will ask about your early experiences with sports. When did you start playing sports?

SadieLyn Combs: So I started playing basketball and field hockey in kindergarten. I played for my Harpursville youth team.

Kayla Groth: So did you start both at the same time?

SadieLyn Combs: I did.

Kayla Groth: That's a lot. Did the seasons conflict?

SadieLyn Combs: No, they didn't.

Kayla Groth: Can you share some memories of that time?

SadieLyn Combs: I remember my mom coming to almost every practice and my field hockey tournament usually was in Greene. And after every game my mom would surprise me with, like, two cups of hot chocolate and snacks from the concessions.

Kayla Groth: Was that field hockey or basketball?

SadieLyn Combs: No, it's field hockey.

Kayla Groth: That's nice... What did you enjoy about that sport when you first started playing?

SadieLyn Combs: I loved how I could get into a sport so soon. And my sister before, she played basketball and field hockey, so I was trying to pretty much make her proud. I was like 'I'm gonna follow in your footsteps.'

Kayla Groth: What position did you start as for field hockey?

SadieLyn Combs: I was a forward because I was the biggest girl on the field. And everybody was afraid to defend me, so they used that to their advantage. In basketball, I was a post because also I was very tall and I grew up very fast.

Kayla Groth: Do you remember what positions your sister played? Like, were they the same?

SadieLyn Combs: Um, they were about the same.

Kayla Groth: Did your position ever change the more you played the sports?

SadieLyn Combs: For field hockey, yes, it did. Um, I went from being a forward to being the goalie.

Kayla Groth: How did that happen?

SadieLyn Combs: So when we got through the years and I was a late youth, we ended up doing, like, a goalie scrimmage. So in youth there wasn't any goalies. There was only sweepers, and since I was the biggest one they put me in pads and pretty much put me out there and I did good, so they- I just kept with it.

Kayla Groth: So they basically said 'you did good. We're gonna keep you there.' [laughs]

SadieLyn Combs: Pretty much. [laughs]

Kayla Groth: What do you enjoy about field hockey, first?

SadieLyn Combs: I love just being out on the field, and especially in games, you don't have the big crowd, like, right around you. It's a very personal game, and you can just play with your team and not have to worry about anyone else.

Kayla Groth: So less distractions?

SadieLyn Combs: Yes. [laughs]

Kayla Groth: What about basketball?

SadieLyn Combs: I love basketball because I love the intensity it brings, and you have five girls out there, and you have to work very strategically. And you have to have a plan, and the plan isn't always set to begin with. You just have to do what you have to do.

Kayla Groth: Right. So we kind of touched on this a little, but who or what got you into that sport?

SadieLyn Combs: So, my sister got me into basketball and field hockey, but also my mom. My mom was the field hockey goalie for Whitney Point. So that was a big, like, inspiration for me too.

Kayla Groth: So, was she excited when you became goalie for-?

SadieLyn Combs: She was very excited. She supports me 100% with all my sports no matter what I play, where I play.

Kayla Groth: Yeah, so growing up, was it just basketball and field hockey? Or did you play any other sports?

SadieLyn Combs: Throughout modified, I played softball, but it was a little too much for me, really. So I focused more on my main sports.

Kayla Groth: What made you get into softball?

SadieLyn Combs: Again, my sister. She played softball, and my friends did and I just wanted to join in and help out.

Kayla Groth: Right. So it sounds like your sister had a lot of influence on you.

SadieLyn Combs: [laughs] Yes, she did.

Kayla Groth: Do you think that was a good thing?

SadieLyn Combs: I do think it's a good thing. When she played basketball, they went to states for my high school and being able to go see them play with so many people, it was amazing. And I wanted to get there one day, I wanted people to be cheering me on just like we all did for her.

Kayla Groth: Awesome. So the next set of questions will ask about your time at Wells College. How did you first hear about Wells?

SadieLyn Combs: So, I got a scholarship in my junior year for my leadership and what I did in high school. And I had a close family friend at the time say that she went to Wells, and she brought me up here and I fell in love with the campus. It was just so pretty.

Kayla Groth: So who are your first contacts of the college?

SadieLyn Combs: So my first contacts had to be either the field hockey coach and some of the field hockey girls.

Kayla Groth: Do you remember which ones?

SadieLyn Combs: Grace Kahl.

Kayla Groth: Um, did you have an overnight with her?

SadieLyn Combs: I did. And it really sealed the deal on this place. It was- I had a wonderful time. And I truly loved it. And I wanted to be here with everyone.

Kayla Groth: So you met her and all the other girls essentially?

SadieLyn Combs: Yes.

Kayla Groth: When did you decide to play college sports?

SadieLyn Combs: So I originally wasn't going to play college sports because I 00:08:00was kind of worried about my grades. But once I found Wells, I saw that I could play these sports and have it D3 and have it just like the icing on the cake. Which, academics is always the cake and sports to me is the icing.

Kayla Groth: So you were recruited, right?

SadieLyn Combs: Yes, I was.

Kayla Groth: When was that? Your junior year in high school you said, or your senior?

SadieLyn Combs: Um, it was... around the end of my junior year when she told me that she wanted to recruit me. And I ended up signing to Wells January of my senior year.

Kayla Groth: What was your experience like meeting the coach at that time? I know she doesn't work here anymore. For the record we're talking about Coach Jessica Galatioto. She doesn't work here anymore, but she was the one who initially recruited you?

SadieLyn Combs: Yes. Um, at first, it was a little hard to get through to her. But I kind of- my love for field hockey really wanted me to play. That's why I sat down and talked to her. And she ended up was like 'Okay, I'll give you a spot on the roster.'

Kayla Groth: Did you know anyone else on your team at that point in high school that was getting recruited at that time?

SadieLyn Combs: No, I don't think anybody else on my field hockey team got recruited anywhere else.

Kayla Groth: So, it sounds like you were a standout on your team. [laughs]

SadieLyn Combs: [laughs]

Kayla Groth: What was your high school team like?

SadieLyn Combs: We were very strong and passionate. We all worked very, very hard. And we had a lot of victory, but we did have a lot of loss at the same time. But we all found a way to come back to each other through all of the arguments, the mess, and it really showed me what I wanted as a team, and what I didn't want as a team.

Kayla Groth: So that was probably a good experience going into college. You had a good idea of what you wanted and what you didn't want.

SadieLyn Combs: Yes.

Kayla Groth: Right. Yeah, so you we kind of already talked about how you had a recruiting visit to campus. But can you tell us a little more about it?

SadieLyn Combs: Yeah, so when I got here, I met with Coach G and she introduced me to Grace. I ended up going back with Grace to her room and met her cat. And that was my favorite part, her cat. I went, she lived in Main and it was so beautiful. And I met her roommates, and they were so nice. We ended up playing different card games until, like, one in the morning. And I was like 'yeah, this is where I want to be.' [laughs]

Kayla Groth: So when did you meet the other members of the team?

SadieLyn Combs: I met them at lunch, I'm pretty sure, the next day. I did not meet all of them. But we sat down with Coach G and had a lunch all together.

Kayla Groth: That's nice. So were you considering any other schools besides Wells?

SadieLyn Combs: I was. I was considering Keuka. But after coming here, and walking down the sidewalks and seeing the buildings, it was just... shocking. I knew that I wanted to be here.

Kayla Groth: The campus was definitely a big factor?

SadieLyn Combs: Yeah, it was.

Kayla Groth: What made you want to consider Keuka?

SadieLyn Combs: So their field hockey coach reached out to me, and we set up a Zoom. And she was very nice, but it was a little too expensive for me. And Wells was very considerate with it, and they helped me out a lot.

Kayla Groth: Did you meet the team at Keuka?

SadieLyn Combs: I did not.

Kayla Groth: So what did your family and friends think when you made the decision to come to Wells and you signed your contract?

SadieLyn Combs: They were very excited for me. Before, they were kind of nervous because they thought a private school, you know, it's gonna be so much money, like we can't afford it as a family. But after receiving my total amount due, it was not bad whatsoever. It was like a SUNY cost. So they were so happy for me. And they fell in love with the campus as much as I did. And they told me when I brought them here, they're like 'this is you as a campus.' And it really is. Everyone is so supportive, and loves that I'm succeeding here.

Kayla Groth: Do you remember what it was like when you signed your contract?

SadieLyn Combs: Yeah, I was nervous. But again, this constant support that I had from my school, my family and my friends... It really powered me to just get through it. And I wasn't nervous coming here, I was more excited to see what the future has, like, held for me at Wells.

Kayla Groth: Can you tell us about what it was like meeting your team for the first time?

SadieLyn Combs: I was very nervous. They... At first I thought, okay, like I have to pick out who's going to be like the tough- the tough people, but they all flashed their smiles at me. And it was very nice, because everybody was so nice and accepting. And they just... they loved all the recruits and the recruits loved all of them.

Kayla Groth: When did you first meet the team for the first time maybe outside of your recruitment visit?

SadieLyn Combs: Um... it had to be preseason. We had, like, captain's practices. And I got to know everyone better. And we did a little stretching in the pool. That was my favorite part because I could see everybody's personality shine through. And it was very awesome. They're all awesome people.

Kayla Groth: Yeah, I mean, so what was preseason like?

SadieLyn Combs: It was kind of a mess to begin with. [laughs] A lot of us had struggled with our paperwork. So we had to keep doing like captain's practice, but then coach would like walk by, and like sneak by. I didn't actually say that!

Kayla Groth: [laughs]

SadieLyn Combs: But it was- it brought us together as a team before we even started. So we made those connections and we were all so loyal to each other before we even stepped foot on the field together.

Kayla Groth: So what was your first official practice like? When Coach is allowed to be there, we're allowed to be full contact. What was that like?

SadieLyn Combs: The first practice I was so nervous because she told us it was conditioning. And I was like 'what is her conditioning?' So we got out there, and we ran. But it was more to see how much we pushed ourselves. Instead of the running, she wanted to see how much we can endure and how much we will go over and beyond and push ourselves for the team. And it was very impressive, seeing all these girls going and going and going, just so they could either beat their record or beat other people's records with sprints and just push themselves constantly.

Kayla Groth: So, at this point, field hockey season is done. So how has your relationship with the team changed since preseason to now, postseason?

SadieLyn Combs: We are still very close, we see each other and we all go like this [finger waves]. This is our "hello." It feels like field hockey hasn't ended. You know, we have that bond and will forever have that bond, no matter if the seniors are graduating.

Kayla Groth: Yeah, that's gonna suck [laughs]. Yeah, I guess I'll move on to the next category. The next set of questions asks about your experience being a student athlete. To you, what does it mean to be a student athlete?

SadieLyn Combs: Being a student athlete, again, I'm going to bring up the cake with the frosting, you really need to focus on your academics first. And the frosting on top is your sports and how much you enjoy your sports. And honestly, after a long day of school, going to be able to go on the field or on the court and play all your frustration out or anything that has been built up really just lets you calm down and focus so you can be prepared for school the next day.

Kayla Groth: I know a lot of people think about the differences between schools like D3, D1, D2. What do you think sets apart a D3 school, especially Wells College?

SadieLyn Combs: So here at Wells and being a D3 school, we all are very focused on academics. But at the same time, we still love our sports, we want you to do good in both. So the constant reaching out from coaches to see if you need help, if you're struggling in school, letting you know that you can go to class, you know, if you can't make it to practice that day because you have something do, you can go and get it done. And if you finish, you can come back to practice. Or you can just stay and work on something else. And I feel like everyone's very supportive here. Which to me, thinking of like a D1, D2, it seems like sports is your main focus. And then it's academics. And that's not what I wanted to do. And I just wanted to have that special team and special opponent in game on top of doing what I want to do for my career.

Kayla Groth: So what are some challenges that you've experienced being a student 00:18:00athlete at Wells?

SadieLyn Combs: I did struggle a little bit with a professor and being excused for games and stuff. It was difficult at first, but I went around and we solved it very fast. Because everybody will listen, like- listen to me. Everybody, you know, wanted to help. Like my coaches, my other professors, you know, advisors, everyone wanted to help me. So we got that sorted out fast.

Kayla Groth: Yeah, so the solution to that probably was, like seeking out your teammates and your coaches.

SadieLyn Combs: Yes, definitely.

Kayla Groth: What does that mean to you to have that kind of support?

SadieLyn Combs: I've always loved that support. Because I think of my team as my family. Ever since I was little, it's another place I can go to for support. And if something happens, I know I can lean on them and they can lean on me. It's the constant support that really helps people through.

Kayla Groth: So what are the positive aspects of being a student athlete?

SadieLyn Combs: I find almost everything positive, because you can play the sport you love and you can still work towards your career. And I really believe that working towards your career is so important. And getting good grades is so important. But you still have that time to go and enjoy something you love and continue something that you love.

Kayla Groth: Do your friends or family come to your games?

SadieLyn Combs: They do as much as they can. Sometimes the game time is weird. I live- my family lives an hour and a half away so it's really not bad. So they try to come as much as they can, but they always make an effort. And if they're 00:20:00not here in person watching, they're watching online and then texting me like 'I'm so proud of you, I saw that!' It really helps an athlete.

Kayla Groth: Can you tell us more about that? What it means to you?

SadieLyn Combs: Yeah. Having my family there, it really means a lot. Because they're the reason why I'm in sports and pushing as hard as I am. Because I want to make them proud. And knowing that I'm making them proud really just brings a smile to my face every day, and keeps me pushing through and getting good grades and working as hard as I am.

Kayla Groth: Since this season's coming to a close, or it has come to a close, what would you say your best memory with the team this past season was?

SadieLyn Combs: There's so many. I feel like... [laughs] We went to Wegmans, and I think we were in Scranton. And we lost one of our teammates in Wegmans. And we almost left without her. And since then, we always pick on people and have a good time remembering that and we always laugh about it. [laughs] But it was so funny... Imean, it wasn't, but it was very funny with us at the time after we solved it. But almost everything that we did together was such a great memory. It's hard to forget all of the stuff.

Kayla Groth: Did you have a favorite memory on the field?

SadieLyn Combs: I did. And it was when we were in Maine, and it was after playing Thomas. And we all- They all just ran to me in goal. And we were all just like proud of ourselves, no matter how big of a loss, how little of a loss. 00:22:00You know, we all have each other and we all cheer each other on constantly. Because we know that we may not be the greatest, but we will get there. And we will work hard until we get there.

Kayla Groth: What was the significance of that game?

SadieLyn Combs: It was very important to me because I broke my highest record with 25 saves in a game. And [laughs] just the support and the congratulations that I got from my teammates really brought me out of the dumps with the loss and showed me that I am so worthy of everything that I have and how it- no matter the loss that was a really good game. We all fought so hard. And I fought so hard. And it really helped me keep going in the next game the next day.

Kayla Groth: I forgot to ask you this before, but was there any significance to the number that you picked when you started playing collegiate field hockey?

SadieLyn Combs: So I've been number 24 for a while. It was just me. But it was just... I called it my lucky number because I started 24 in modified. And I had a really awesome season, I had a really awesome coach there. And I just thought I needed to carry that number. And that's what I'm doing. And I'm doing it in basketball now too. So I'll forever be number 24.

Kayla Groth: So with the basketball season starting up, do you think your views as being a student athlete at Wells will change? Because even though it's a different- it's a different team?

SadieLyn Combs: I don't think so. It's another case of we're trying to work our way up in the program. But honestly, I'm still going and I'm enjoying myself, I can be aggressive, and I can work my heart out, and then come back and be able 00:24:00to just destress. It's still an awesome, awesome team, awesome girls, and I'm very excited to see what the season brings.

Kayla Groth: So obviously a lot of schools don't really experience what Wells does in terms of, like, up-and-coming teams. At this point, you have been a part of two struggling programs that are trying to build their way back up. What does that mean to you to be a part of those?

SadieLyn Combs: I am so happy that I'm a part of this. Because coming here, I knew that our programs were struggling. And in my head I wanted to help be that change. I wanted to help us go from the underdogs to on top. And I still believe that we have a chance to do that. And I feel that we're very underestimated. And I hope to change that very soon because that's all I want to do is help change help, you know, bring us on top again.

Kayla Groth: So shifting more to the inclusivity of field hockey as a sport at Wells, we are sport that doesn't have a male or female counterpart, we're just field hockey. What does that inclusivity mean to you?

SadieLyn Combs: I am all for being inclusive. I love accepting everyone, no matter who you are, where you come from. Just knowing that you want to be here, and we'll let you be here and, like, we'll support you, no matter who you are. That's very important to me. Because I preach that almost every day of my life.

Kayla Groth: Do you feel like field hockey is set apart from the other sports in that way?

SadieLyn Combs: I do believe so. Having our new coach Coach Milmoe, she loves everyone. And no matter who you are, you are part of the team and you're a leader. And it's not just separated with captains, and then underclassmen; it's 00:26:00captains and leaders. We're all leaders in our own way. And we all help each other no matter what or who we are.

Kayla Groth: What has your relationship been like with Coach Milmoe? I know you were recruited by a different coach and then Coach Milmoe came in. What was that like?

SadieLyn Combs: Um, I was very scared at first. I was hoping we would get a good coach because I've struggled with poor coaches in the past. And I know how hard it can be on a team. Um, first meeting her, we played a little game, it was like Jeopardy or trivia. And I was like 'okay, this- this lady is a little cuckoo!' [laughs] We got going, and.... I have never in my career loved a coach as much as I do Milmoe. She is one of my biggest role models here right now. And I am so very lucky to have her. And I'm so- I'm so happy that she decided to join us and that she's here with us.

Kayla Groth: What has it been like when she's coaching you from the sidelines in practices or games? What do you feel?

SadieLyn Combs: So in the games before, I had coaches, if I let a ball in, or you know, something happened, I would get screamed at on the sidelines. And it was very harsh. And it's really hard on a player. Milmoe, she would walk down the sideline, she was like, 'you got this, you know, talk, you got this.' And that positive reinforcement I really think is what made me do so well this season. Having a coach that is so supportive, no matter what. You know, we had some pretty great losses. But I know I played my heart out. And I know all of my team played their heart out. And she saw that. She didn't- she didn't care about the score. She saw how hard we worked. And that's what she cared about. We have 00:28:00to just dump it on the field.

Kayla Groth: So you had a lot of support here at Wells, it seems like this was your environment that you thrived in. Would you agree?

SadieLyn Combs: Absolutely.

Kayla Groth: Yeah, so looking back on your experience as an athlete, what do your sports mean to you?

SadieLyn Combs: It's like a place where I can escape. Ever since I was young, I dealt with a lot of things, which was very hard. And I use sports to just go, and I didn't think about anything else. Just that. Just 'I want to improve, I want to be better. I want to play and I want to play with my team.' And it was an escape from life, reality. And it's just... it really helps someone destress.

Kayla Groth: What is participating in your sports at Wells meant to you?

SadieLyn Combs: I really think it got me a lot of friends. Coming here, I was a little nervous. Because I don't- myself I- I don't think I can make a lot of friends easily. But coming in and having built-in best friends already? It really helped me because I can be walking to class and I get a 'hello' and it makes my day. And being so small here, like, I know a lot of people and a lot of people know me, and being able to just get the random 'hellos' really makes people's day.

Kayla Groth: So what has your athletic career as a whole meant to you?

SadieLyn Combs: Um...That's a hard question. It's so hard to explain. Being an athlete, it's just who I am. Like, a lot of people think of me and they're like 'okay, they play field hockey, they play basketball. And they work hard.' And 00:30:00that's what I want people to see. That I can take on new challenges wherever I'm at. And I can work hard and play hard, and just show who I am. And to see everyone supporting me also, it's just being an athlete. It's just who I am.

Kayla Groth: What would you say makes you keep going? What motivates you in your sports?

SadieLyn Combs: Family, friends, definitely the school, like the support that I get from our coaches, athletic director. You know, I've had my basketball coach at my field hockey games, cheering me on and cheering the rest of the basketball girls on. It's just... everyone's so connected. And it's not just okay, field hockey, and then basketball, it's field hockey AND basketball. And then it's all the other sports connected together. Because we have little students, and we have a lot of people playing on different sports. And maybe like, we have three- a person playing three sports. And all the coaches try to work together to support in every sport. And that [laughs] is incredible to me, because being able to play and then being supported by my basketball coach, and other coaches and other players, other teams, it's- it's amazing to me,

Kayla Groth: Do you think you would have had that connection anywhere else?

SadieLyn Combs: I honestly don't believe so. It's just, when I got here, like, nobody knew me, but they still said 'hi.' I was like 'I'm not used to that.' It was- Everyone's very nice and very supportive. If I was upset and I was crying, random people would come to see if I'm okay. Because that's just who we are here. And that's who I am. And that's why I want to be here, because I am that kind of person.

Kayla Groth: So how have you grown as an athlete from when you started to where 00:32:00you are now?

SadieLyn Combs: I'm a lot more confident in myself and, especially being here at Wells, I'm 10 times more confident because I have the right support system. And I have the right coaches. You just need to find your place. And I've been searching and searching and searching and then I found this place. And this is my place. And I- it's helped me so much with my athletic career and my academics.

Kayla Groth: How have you grown as a person?

SadieLyn Combs: I really believe that I have become more outgoing. I've always been outgoing, but here I will go to a volleyball game. I don't know really [laughs] many people and I'll scream for them and I will cheer them on because I know that they would do the same for me. And I feel like I'm a lot more open minded to everything and just everything around. I feel like I'm growing and I'm changing in a good way. And I really do believe that all the professors, the staff, everyone here has a huge part to play.

Kayla Groth: Alright, so as we conclude this interview, are there any topics you expected or hoped that we would cover but we haven't addressed today?

SadieLyn Combs: No.

Kayla Groth: Are there any topics in our conversation that you would like to revisit?

SadieLyn Combs: No.

Kayla Groth: Alright, thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us!

SadieLyn Combs: Of course!