RAEDER’S RAIDERS SPIRIT AWARD

Throughout her Michigan Field Hockey career, Caylie demonstrated an extraordinary ability to persevere through adversity while remaining fully committed to her teammates and the program. Faced with challenges that would have caused many athletes to walk away from the sport, she instead chose to meet each setback with determination, resilience, and an unwavering team-first attitude. Her journey stands as a powerful example of courage and commitment in the face of seemingly impossible odds. 

After committing to Michigan following the discontinuation of her program at Stanford, she faced a devastating medical diagnosis stemming from severe back pain. Before even beginning her freshman year, Caylie underwent surgery to remove a tennis ball-sized tumor from her spine and was forced to relearn how to walk during her recovery.

Through extraordinary determination and countless hours of rehabilitation, Caylie fought her way back to competition. Although she was medically redshirted during her freshman season, she remained committed to her team and continued working toward her goal of returning to the field. Over her sophomore and junior years, she battled through additional setbacks while gradually earning opportunities to compete, never allowing adversity to diminish her commitment to Michigan Water Polo.

Just as she appeared poised to enter her final season at full strength, Caylie encountered yet another obstacle. In the spring before her senior year, she was diagnosed with a neurological disorder that once again threatened her ability to compete. Rather than allowing the diagnosis to define her, she approached the challenge with the same resilience and determination that had characterized every step of her journey.

After another demanding summer of treatment, rehabilitation, and preparation, Caylie returned for her final season ready to contribute in any way possible. Although she did not earn a starting role, her commitment to the team never wavered. She embraced her responsibilities with humility and positivity, consistently bringing energy and enthusiasm to practices and games. She served as a steadfast supporter of her teammates, particularly the starting goalkeeper, and remained prepared to give everything she had whenever called upon.

Whether on the field or on the sidelines, Caylie demonstrated the true meaning of team-first leadership. She never complained, never sought attention for her struggles, and never allowed personal disappointment to outweigh her commitment to the success of the program.

“I am extremely honored to receive the Raeder's Raiders Spirit Award. Coming into my fifth year with the field hockey program, I set two daily goals: bring the energy and be a good teammate. Being prepared, having a great attitude, and seizing your moment is something I tried to live out every day on the field and off of the field in the Ann Arbor community. The University of Michigan is truly the best university in the world, and I am incredibly grateful and proud to be a Michigan Wolverine. Go Blue!”

What makes Caylie's story so remarkable is not simply the adversity she endured, but the way she responded to it. Despite facing challenges that repeatedly threatened her ability to compete, she remained a source of positivity, energy, and support within the Michigan Field Hockey program. We are proud to present the 2026 Raeder’s Raiders Award to Caylie McMahon.