Macy Savela staying in the game despite medical retirement
Dec. 10—JAMESTOWN — On Feb. 23, the University of Jamestown's Macy Savela played the last game of her collegiate career. After battling a back injury, the senior nursing major had to medically retire, allowing her to focus fully on her studies. Savela has transitioned into a student assistant coaching role.
"I help out with the odds and ends and help out with whatever needs to get done," Savela said. "I'm still able to be a part of the team. It's very flexible because school has been hectic, I haven't been able to go to away trips and every practice but I'm grateful I'm able to be around the girls and be a part of the team when I can now."
The Mountain Iron, Minnesota, native is in her fourth year of her studies. Jimmies head coach Thad Sankey said Savela's studies became the top priority when her playing career came to an end. Sankey said when his players are active they work to make their class schedules work with class and team activities.
"Macy's in that unique spot where especially when you're not playing, her senior nursing stuff just kind of takes over her schedule," Jimmies head coach Thad Sankey said.
Savela said the decision to end her playing career was a tough one but a necessary one with an eye toward her future after graduation. Once the decision was made over the summer of 2022, Sankey said he was in denial for a period of time.
"It did not come easy, but it was just best for me, looking at the long run of my life after school, weighing out the pros and cons and obviously many many factors that went into it," Savela said.
During her career, Savela appeared in 56 games, averaging 6.7 points per game while adding 41 steals, 51 assists, and 111 rebounds. Savela said watching her teammates from the bench has been difficult but some sage advice from Sankey has made it easier.
"It's been extremely hard, especially knowing it's my last year and knowing it's our last for everything," Savela said. "It's been extremely hard even just to watch. But coach (Sankey) said, 'It can be hard and you can be in the stands or it can be hard and you can be with us.' So that was reassuring, I was like yeah it will be hard but I can still find a way to be with them and be a part of the team."
Savela said her view on the game has changed tremendously going from viewing the game on the floor as a point guard to now in her current role.
Sankey said his team is still learning how to play without Savela on the floor as she made a big impact off the bench. Due to the time commitment that Savela's nursing classes and clinical requirements, Sankey said the senior has only been able to make it to four or five practices and team activities during the first semester.
"She has a background in coaching, I think she would be a great assistant coach for us," Sankey said. "She's legit just not able to be around for us right now."
Savela said that she has a passion for coaching and wants to get back into it after graduation.
"I know that I've always wanted to be a coach at some point," Savela said. "I don't know how that'll fit in. But once I get settled into my job and my life after I think I'll find a way back to coaching even if it's just the youth or elementary kids."
