Nina Stavropoulos ’17: As one looks across the Episcopal Academy Campus, they will see flashes of various pink and green gear labeled, “Team Evie,” to commemorate the life of Evie O’Brian ‘14. O’Brian was a member of the EA Field Hockey team, and described by Athletic Director, Gina Buggy, as “A great teammate, extremely unselfish, and always looking to contribute energy, enthusiasm, and selflessness.”
In order to remember and celebrate the life of O’Brian, the field hockey team decided to dedicate this season to her. Their game against Notre Dame on October 24th was played in her honor and the team won 4-0. During the game, the field hockey team wore pink jerseys with “O’Brian” on the back and pink ribbons inscribed “Team Evie,” which the entire team has worn on game days throughout their season. The Notre Dame field hockey team played wearing pink socks and green ribbons in O’Brian’s honor as well.
According to Senior Co-Captain of Field Hockey, Ali Rushton, the season’s dedication to O’Brian has had a profound impact on the team and how they play. She believes, “Playing in remembrance of Evie motivates everyone as a team, and brings us together.” She further expressed, “We are always talking about the spirit and energy she brought throughout the entire season.” Another member of the field hockey team, Sydney Gibson ‘14 added, “Team Evie not only unites our team and is something to bond over, but it unites all the teams that are supporting her with their own “Team Evie” gear.” Many other sports teams at Episcopal, such as soccer, cross country, and tennis, have also decided to join field hockey in becoming “Team Evie.”
The Girls and Boys Cross Country teams created pink hats with “Team Evie” embroidered on them to be a positive reminder to the team of O’Brian and her love of running. Both teams have also shown support in wearing pink laces during their races. “It creates a different mindset for the team because we think about how no matter what the situation was, Evie would always run through anything,” stressed Leigh Adelizzi ‘15, Co-Captain of the Cross Country team. She went on to say that, “This influences the mentality we have when we are running through a hard race.” Katherine Hong ‘15, and Co-Captain of Cross Country, further emphasized, “Cross country is such a mental sport, and it is essential to have the right mindset while running. It helps to be running for a reason.”
The Girls’ Varsity Soccer team wears green headbands with “Team Evie” written on them during school and while playing games. Lauren Repke ’15, Co-Captain of the Soccer team, felt that it was important to wear the headbands because, “It reminds us to play for Evie because she was a symbol of team unity and having a lot of spirit for her team and the school, so we try to commemorate that.”
The Girls’ Tennis team also supports “Team Evie,” as they wear socks with those words, as well as the initials of Paul Pratt ‘14, “PLP,” embroidered on them. “Representing Team Evie gives us a greater sense of pride and reason to work towards something while we are playing. We are not just playing for ourselves, but representing our school along with the people within it,” remarked Haley Potter ‘16, Co-Captain of the Girls’ Tennis team.
Overall, Buggy finds the presence of “Team Evie” to be important to EA. “Anytime you show respect for a school mate is a positive thing; sadly we are doing this when such a tragedy occurred, but it brings to mind the positive things in people, and helps people realize how fortunate they are.”