Shippensburg University senior Sarah Womer is the fourth recipient of the Amanda K. Strous Memorial Field Hockey Scholarship and will serve as a Raiders’ team captain for the 2020 season.

Womer joins fellow scholarship recipients Mikayla Cheney (2019), Ally Mooney (2018) and Brooke Sheibley (2017).

The coaching staff presented Womer as the 2020 recipient during a Zoom meeting with her teammates, former head coach Bertie Landes and Strous’ mother, Crystal on April 24. 

This season, Womer will wear the #22 jersey, Strous’ number during her time at Shippensburg.

The scholarship was created to recognize a senior each season who embodies Strous’ characteristics. Strous was murdered in her apartment in North Carolina in 2016.

Womer said it is an honor to receive the scholarship as well as wear the #22 jersey because of the legacy and meaning behind the number.

“Every player who has worn the jersey before me has had a great impact in both my life and the Ship field hockey program,” Womer said. “I am so grateful to be the individual that continues on this legacy, and I plan to wear #22 with pride and passion just like Amanda did.”

Womer said the scholarship gave her extra motivation going into this season and provided her with important life lessons.

“Wearing #22 this season definitely brings a sense of motivation and I plan to work harder than ever,” she said. “Every time I put on my jersey and practice shirt I will be thinking of Amanda and I know that will motivate me to be my best in everything I do.”

While Womer never got the chance to meet Strous personally, she said the legacy Strous left SU will resonate with her forever. Womer said she has heard many great things about Strous since arriving at SU, especially her passion and love for the game.

“This team has truly become my second family and I am so blessed to have an amazing group of people in my corner,” Womer said. "I hope to demonstrate my passion for the game at every practice and game I have left.”

In addition to receiving the scholarship, Womer will also join redshirt-sophomore Meg Thompson and senior Caitlyn Wink as team captains for the upcoming season. 

Despite having a limited amount of time for practice this spring due to the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, Womer said the team focused a lot on leadership during their time together. She said she hopes to carry that focus into the fall.

“I am super excited to have a key role in leading the team in the next season,” Womer said. “I plan to help lead the team by example and hard work. I believe consistent hard work and dedication from leaders spreads throughout the whole team.”

With the upcoming season still in question, Womer has already stepped into her leadership position by staying positive, dedicated and continuing to help keep a good team culture.

Womer said the team as a whole has come together during these uncertain times and everyone has played a significant role.

“Everyone remaining positive in a time like this shows how resilient we truly are,” she said.  

If NCAA play resumes in the fall, Womer and the Raiders will look to start their season on a high note when they travel to Sparkill, New York, on Sept. 5 to face off against St. Thomas Aquinas College.

Editor's note: The PSAC announced July 15 that all fall sports would be postponed.

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