‘An honor to serve’: Apache Belles director leaves after 13 years
TYLER, Texas (KETK) – Jasilyn Schaefer is the true definition of an Apache Belle and after 13 years she is leaving behind a legacy.
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“It’s amazing how quickly our years go,” Schaefer, the director of the Apache Belles, said.
Schaefer joined as a student on the line back in 1996. Then served as a graduate assistant for the team, before serving as their director for 13 years. Now it’s time for her to step down.
Photos courtesy of Jasilyn Schaefer Photos courtesy of Jasilyn Schaefer Photos courtesy of Jasilyn Schaefer
“You know, it sounds strange to say you’re excited to leave them, but I really feel a sense of peace that my mission and my time with this organization has been complete,” Schaefer said.
As director, it has meant giving up Thanksgiving, spring breaks, and weekends but now, she is turning her focus to her first family.
“Just pour back into my family that has been incredibly supportive during this very demanding job,” Schaefer said.
During her time as director Schaefer has restored traditions part of the belle’s 75-plus year history, like old uniforms, helping create a full-ride scholarship and re-introducing the Belles to the world.
“We visited Japan, South Korea, Ireland twice, Costa Rica, we performed aboard two cruise ships that made multiple stops outside of the United States,” Schaefer said.
To Schaefer, her job was more than just being director, and will never forget time spent with the hundred of girls that have come through.
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“We say, Apache Belles, Apache Belles, Belles number one, we are Apache and we end it with, oh, how I love Apache Belles, hey, and so I think I’ll miss hearing that at the end of practice every day, but it is so true, oh, how I love Apache Belles,” Schaefer said.
Above all other bittersweet emotions, Schaefer is proud of her time with the Apache Belles.
“An honor, it’s been an honor to serve,” Schaefer said.
Schaefer’s last day will be Thursday, August 29th, and she says the hunt for a new director for the Apache Belles has started.
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