Sadie Fletcher goes national: Cumberland runner competes for title
Published 9:29 pm Saturday, August 9, 2025
She’s in fourth grade. That’s one of the first things to mention about Sadie Fletcher. The Cumberland County track star hasn’t even finished elementary school, yet she’s winning state championships and competing on the national level.
“We are so proud of Sadie and her family in representing Cumberland and our surrounding communities,” said Kenneth Jasey. He works as head track coach for boys and girls in Cumberland County Public Schools, as well as the county’s club team, Sixty West Jets, which Sadie also competes with.
Her latest competition took place on June 26. That’s when the USA Track and Field Junior Olympic Championships were held in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Hundreds of young athletes came from all over the country. And on that stage, Sadie placed 12th in the nation in the 1500 meter racewalk. The Olympic sport requires that one foot must appear to be in contact with the ground at all times. Speaking with Sadie and her mother Casey Fletcher, it was clear that this win was more than just hardware, but the product of hard work and loads of support behind her.
Sadie Fletcher: A young athlete with big dreams
Earlier this summer, Sadie won gold in the girls 9-10 year old division 1500 meters race at Christopher Newport University on June 8, claiming the state championship and advancing her to compete at the USATF Junior Olympics. Competing against athletes from across the country was intimidating for Sadie, but she handled the pressure with determination and positivity.
“It was kind of scary,” Sadie admitted when asked about her feelings stepping onto the track June 26. “I was mostly scared, but a little excited.”
Though nerves were at a high for Sadie at the Junior Olympics, her experience within sports has been a story of natural flourishing.
“She’s always been a really courageous and athletic kid. She’s always put her mind to everything she does,” said her mother Casey. Starting out playing softball, her mother saw she excelled in that sport so she figured to push Sadie in the track and field direction to just give it a shot. Naturally she took off on the track– literally.
“I thought it would be really cool to start,” said Sadie, “so I started training with the other athletes.” Among her training practices, Sadie noted, were mainly teenagers.
As her love for track began with curiosity and persistence, Sadie’s training at the track too reflects a variety of areas of performance, from practicing form to jogging to trying out pole vault. Once Sadie placed 12th at the Junior Olympics, that accomplishment only helped further prove her abilities to herself.
“I felt relieved and excited. I felt like I could do it more and more, I could do this now!” Sadie said excitedly.
The support that shaped her success
While Sadie’s athleticism shines, her mother believes her spirit ultimately sets her apart. “She leads with her heart, and she trains with her heart,” Casey said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s warm-ups, trying a new event, or competing– this kid goes full bore 100% every time.”
That work ethic has inspired teammates around her, but it’s Sadie’s kindness that leaves the biggest impression. “Sportsmanship is at her forefront,” Casey explained. “I can see the wake of kindness that follows her as she competes.”
Sadie’s positive energy doesn’t stop at competition, either. “It doesn’t matter how she places,” Casey said. “She finishes an event and she’s like, ‘Cool, that was great.’ She’s just got this perpetual positive energy that uplifts the sports competition pressures.”
That energy is only possible by the strong support system behind her. Sadie’s parents share the responsibilities of practice and competition transportation, while her younger brother William is her biggest training partner and cheerleader. The older athletes, too, have welcomed her and encouraged Sadie in every step. However, according to her mother, Sadie’s largest and most appreciated support is from her coaches, Coach Jasey and Coach Crossin.
“They have taken my kids under their wings. They put so much time into them, even staying after practice just to help Sadie with what she needs,” Casey said. “They push hard when needed but are careful to keep training healthy and positive, and they really are everything to our athletes and county.” Casey has seen how both Jasey and Crossin have impacted so many kids within sports and alternative school settings, so she carried much respect for them both and really wanted her children to work with them as well.
Looking ahead
Staying busy practicing at least two times a week during summer, Sadie is determined to continue in her track journey. Looking ahead, she is eager to climb even higher in the rankings and experience what’s next to come. For Casey, the greatest gift track has given Sadie so far isn’t medals or rankings– its confidence.
“She’s coming into her own, owning her power and owning her uniqueness.” Casey said. “That’s what I hope she carries with her forever.”
