Jessi Coil Jewell

Jessi arrived at Foxcroft from The Hill School with a strong reputation for her athleticism, tenacity, ability, and strength — in mind and body. All who worked with her — as a teammate, fellow Hound, or student — were challenged, questioned, and pushed in a good way — with a loving and moral heart.

Though she was a talented all-conference basketball player, field hockey was her passion. Jessi and her glow-in-the-dark neon yellow cleats would eventually be known and feared throughout the state. So much so that during her senior year, she would become Foxcroft’s first field hockey player named Loudoun County's Player of the Year. 

Former Foxcroft Athletic Director, “Foxy Lady,” and coach Katie Kantz, who sits on the Sports Hall of Fame selection committee, shared during her remarks, “I recall one of my first practices she asked me: ‘Aren't you going to run the 3 miles you assigned us all to be ready for you to time from summer training? You are an athlete and know hockey right?’ There was no wasting time in the classroom or on the field. She always gives 100%.” 

“Jessi would ask ‘WHY?’ and use her voice as all Foxcroft women do,” Kantz continued. “‘Why don't we have protein-filled snacks before the games? Why can't we practice on the tennis courts to prepare for a turf game? Why can't we have turf? Why doesn't the whole team weightlift? Why can't the food be better so we can be healthy athletes?’ I smile thinking of Jessi and her passion to make things the best they can be, even if it takes asking hard questions.”

Jessi received a Division 1 scholarship to play at Kent State University in Kent, OH, where she was named to the All-Big Ten Conference Tournament team as a freshman and played virtually every game at Defender during her first two years. She would eventually return to Foxcroft to coach field hockey and basketball and served as Dean of Student Life for two years before moving on to coach field hockey, referee, and grow the game. We are proud to induct Jessi as the newest member of Foxcroft’s Sports Hall of Fame!