The Strong Mindset of Jessa Beach
4/7/2025 6:00:00 PM | Women's Track and Field, General, Upstate Athletic Fund
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SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- As she nears the end of her collegiate career, USC Upstate senior Jessa Beach has cemented her legacy as one of the top throwers in program history. From Chesnee, South Carolina, the Exercise Science major has built an impressive resume, boasting over two dozen top-three finishes, multiple first-place titles, and a reputation that runs deep in hard work and success.
In 2025 alone, Beach has already secured four top-three finishes, including a massive win in the weight throw with a career-best 17.81 meters.
One of the defining moments of her career came at the 2024 Big South Outdoor Track and Field Championships, where she took first in the hammer throw with a stunning 58.65-meter performance. As the 2025 championships approach, she looks to defend her title and add another accolade to her already decorated career.
Beach has claimed six first-place finishes at various meets, including the Newberry College Hub City Invite, where she won the hammer throw in 2022 with a mark of 44.24m. In 2023, she more than doubled her victories at the same meet, claiming both the discus and hammer throw titles, earning her the unofficial title of "Queen of the Newberry-Hub City Invite."
Beach's journey to success was not without personal challenges. Her recruitment process was impacted by COVID-19, which delayed her search for a collegiate program. "I started my recruiting process very late," she opined. "COVID was my junior year; everything got cut off. I didn't want to go far away from home. Upstate had a really good program based on what I'd read and what I was told. It was a great fit for me."
The transition from high school to the collegiate level presented another set of challenges, requiring her to refine her technique and mindset. "The biggest transition was hunkering down and learning the finer details of my throws," Beach said. "I had a good coach in high school, but it's a lot different at the collegiate level. It's something you work on every single day. It's a completely different environment."
However, nothing tested Beach's resilience more than the passing of her aunt, Beth Suddeth, during her freshman year. "It was probably the worst experience I've had. My aunt Beth passed away, and that was very hard on me. Having my team and family close to me was important. The first year of college is always hard, but there was another layer. I couldn't have done it without my Upstate support system and other family members."
Her aunt was pivotal in her life, serving as one of her biggest supporters. "She was always at every game, making signs for me, cheering me on no matter what," Beach recalled. "The biggest part is she didn't even understand track and field, but she was always behind me cheering me on unconditionally."
Head Coach Carson Blackwelder echoed his appreciation for Beach by saying, "Jessa has always been great to have on the team. She is someone you know is putting in the work and is always ready. She has grown exponentially over the years. It is no small feat to become a confidence champion and first-round qualifier."
With graduation just a few weeks away, Beach is preparing for the next chapter of her life. "It's surreal. I just got my cap and gown. It really hasn't hit yet. It's been a slow but also, at the same time, fast four years here."
Her immediate plans include taking a gap year while exploring coaching opportunities before pursuing a career in occupational therapy. "I'm looking at which programs might fit me the best for my career. I'd love to be in pediatrics, helping children live their best lives. I love kids—it's pure joy watching them learn, grow, and develop."
Beyond her athletic achievements, Beach's time at USC Upstate has shaped her into a leader and mentor. "It was a mentality switch for me. I was an all-around athlete in high school, but becoming a next-level thrower meant learning to set and work toward goals."
With a psychology minor, Beach has applied her studies to her athletic career, emphasizing mental preparation and resilience. "It's a journey as an athlete, making sure I have the mindset to be calm and focus on whatever I need to accomplish."
One of her favorite memories comes from last year's Big South Championships—not just because of her individual success but the team's collective performance. "Our men's and women's teams shocked a lot of people. We all showed up and performed how we needed to."
As she looks toward the future, Beach hopes to stay involved in the sport through coaching. "I've had a lot of different types of coaching in my career. I've written in my journals about how I want to be as a coach. I want to be a coach there for you no matter what—to help with both the now and the future."
She offers this advice for incoming freshmen or those considering USC Upstate: "It's all a learning experience. You're not going to get it right on the first try. It's going to take failing a few times, but then you get right back up and keep attacking."
Jessa Beach has left her mark on the Spartan Track and Field program. As she steps into the next phase of her life, her competitive and athletic mindset will undoubtedly carry her on to more success.
SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- As she nears the end of her collegiate career, USC Upstate senior Jessa Beach has cemented her legacy as one of the top throwers in program history. From Chesnee, South Carolina, the Exercise Science major has built an impressive resume, boasting over two dozen top-three finishes, multiple first-place titles, and a reputation that runs deep in hard work and success.
In 2025 alone, Beach has already secured four top-three finishes, including a massive win in the weight throw with a career-best 17.81 meters.
One of the defining moments of her career came at the 2024 Big South Outdoor Track and Field Championships, where she took first in the hammer throw with a stunning 58.65-meter performance. As the 2025 championships approach, she looks to defend her title and add another accolade to her already decorated career.
Beach has claimed six first-place finishes at various meets, including the Newberry College Hub City Invite, where she won the hammer throw in 2022 with a mark of 44.24m. In 2023, she more than doubled her victories at the same meet, claiming both the discus and hammer throw titles, earning her the unofficial title of "Queen of the Newberry-Hub City Invite."
Beach's journey to success was not without personal challenges. Her recruitment process was impacted by COVID-19, which delayed her search for a collegiate program. "I started my recruiting process very late," she opined. "COVID was my junior year; everything got cut off. I didn't want to go far away from home. Upstate had a really good program based on what I'd read and what I was told. It was a great fit for me."
The transition from high school to the collegiate level presented another set of challenges, requiring her to refine her technique and mindset. "The biggest transition was hunkering down and learning the finer details of my throws," Beach said. "I had a good coach in high school, but it's a lot different at the collegiate level. It's something you work on every single day. It's a completely different environment."
However, nothing tested Beach's resilience more than the passing of her aunt, Beth Suddeth, during her freshman year. "It was probably the worst experience I've had. My aunt Beth passed away, and that was very hard on me. Having my team and family close to me was important. The first year of college is always hard, but there was another layer. I couldn't have done it without my Upstate support system and other family members."
Her aunt was pivotal in her life, serving as one of her biggest supporters. "She was always at every game, making signs for me, cheering me on no matter what," Beach recalled. "The biggest part is she didn't even understand track and field, but she was always behind me cheering me on unconditionally."
Head Coach Carson Blackwelder echoed his appreciation for Beach by saying, "Jessa has always been great to have on the team. She is someone you know is putting in the work and is always ready. She has grown exponentially over the years. It is no small feat to become a confidence champion and first-round qualifier."
With graduation just a few weeks away, Beach is preparing for the next chapter of her life. "It's surreal. I just got my cap and gown. It really hasn't hit yet. It's been a slow but also, at the same time, fast four years here."
Her immediate plans include taking a gap year while exploring coaching opportunities before pursuing a career in occupational therapy. "I'm looking at which programs might fit me the best for my career. I'd love to be in pediatrics, helping children live their best lives. I love kids—it's pure joy watching them learn, grow, and develop."
Beyond her athletic achievements, Beach's time at USC Upstate has shaped her into a leader and mentor. "It was a mentality switch for me. I was an all-around athlete in high school, but becoming a next-level thrower meant learning to set and work toward goals."
With a psychology minor, Beach has applied her studies to her athletic career, emphasizing mental preparation and resilience. "It's a journey as an athlete, making sure I have the mindset to be calm and focus on whatever I need to accomplish."
One of her favorite memories comes from last year's Big South Championships—not just because of her individual success but the team's collective performance. "Our men's and women's teams shocked a lot of people. We all showed up and performed how we needed to."
As she looks toward the future, Beach hopes to stay involved in the sport through coaching. "I've had a lot of different types of coaching in my career. I've written in my journals about how I want to be as a coach. I want to be a coach there for you no matter what—to help with both the now and the future."
She offers this advice for incoming freshmen or those considering USC Upstate: "It's all a learning experience. You're not going to get it right on the first try. It's going to take failing a few times, but then you get right back up and keep attacking."
Jessa Beach has left her mark on the Spartan Track and Field program. As she steps into the next phase of her life, her competitive and athletic mindset will undoubtedly carry her on to more success.
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