JACKSONVILLE, FLA. - Sable Lee was a fierce competitor on the field, appearing in 161 games with 58 hits and 30 runs during her time in Jacksonville, but her impacts were felt off the softball field as well. The 2016 graduate of Jacksonville University has always been known for helping others and giving back.
After graduating from JU Lee went on to earn her master's degree from the DeVos Sport Business Management program at the University of Central Florida in 2017.
This past month Lee was named the recipient of the 2020 Jostens Promising Professional Award by Women Leaders in College Sports.The Promising Professional Award recognizes a full-time athletics administrator who has made an exemplary impact in their current role. Lee is currently the Assistant Director of Student Athlete Development at Clemson University.
"I am honored and humbled to have won this award but I would not be where I am today without the people who impacted me during my student-athlete years at Jacksonville. It is about doing the work off of your respective playing field. I found people at Jacksonville with a true authentic purpose who I could identify with. A lot of people opened my eyes to what a healthy student-athlete experience truly is," Lee stated.
Lee played under the direction of former Head Coach Jen Steele from 2013-2016 but also worked closely with current Head Coach Erica Ayers and Assistant Coach Amanda Haverman in her final two seasons, whom she attributes much of her success to along with Deputy Athletic Director, Lauren Cevis.
Haverman has maintained a friendship with Lee since her departure from JU in 2016 and commented, "To me she exemplifies what it means to be a Dolphin. She exemplifies our core values. She did while she was a student athlete here and continues to today."
"What you see is what you get with them. They are doing the best things with the program and continue to make me a better person. It's deeper than the game and the industry. Erica and Amanda both challenged me to be a better player on and off the field," Lee went on to say.
"Sable was a coach's dream, high softball IQ, great leadership qualities and athletically talented. The student athletes at Clemson are incredibly fortunate to have her as a mentor and role model. We couldn't be prouder of what she has already and no doubt will accomplish," Ayers commented.
Although Ayers only worked with Sable for a single season she knew she would go on to be successful and have a great impact on others.
During her time as a Dolphin Lee always found a way to help others. Along with her 2016 teammates she organized a food drive which enabled the team to donate thousands of dollars worth of food to a local soup kitchen in Jacksonville.
"I have a tribe of women who have helped me. I'm very proud to be a woman and a woman of color. As I rise I am going to continue giving back, mentor the next generation and lift others up with me," Lee continued. "You do not need a large budget to make a difference in the lives of your student- athletes."
