Josie Seebeck: Promising Central Michigan University Soccer Player Killed In Crash

Josie Seebeck was a promising sophomore soccer player at Central Michigan University but saw her young life cut short last week in a car crash that also left two teammates hospitalized.

Seebeck was in the car with two other players near Lansing when they crashed at close to 11:40 pm on Friday. The other players were sent to the hospital with injuries, with one of them being released Sunday and the other remaining hospitalized. Seebeck was killed.

Police have released no further information on the crash, but a report from The Associated Press said it was a rollover accident on I-69.

The CMU athletic department released a statement extending condolences to the family of Josie Seebeck, and the university has grief counselors ready to support teammates, faculty, and coaches.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to Josie’s family, friends and teammates,” said David Heeke, CMU director of athletics. “Head coach Peter McGahey and Executive Associate Director of Athletics Marcy Weston have been at the hospital over the past few days, supporting those involved. This is a tough, tragic time for our soccer student-athletes and the entire CMU Chippewa family.”

Josie Seebeck was listed as a sophomore midfielder on the women’s soccer team. Hailing from Montgomery, Alabama, she was a member of the 2012 European Tournament Champions team and was named All-European Tournament MVP before coming to CMU.

Her success continued after she arrived at college. Though she didn’t tally up many statistics — just one goal and one assist for her freshman season — Seebeck was good enough on the field to earn a spot on the All-Freshman team for the Mid-American Conference.

Seebeck’s play helped propel CMU to a 15-7-1 overall record and a league mark of 10-2. Though the team lost to Miami of Ohio in the MAC championship game, they were able to earn a berth into the NCAA tournament.

The Chippewas lost their opening round game to the University of Michigan, with Seebeck coming off the bench to play 29 minutes and register a shot on goal.

The cause of the accident that killed Josie Seebeck remains under investigation.