Alumni beyond Edgehill: Mikeie Reiland '11
In this feature, we check in with PDS/USN alumni in all walks of life, all over the world for a look at all that life beyond Edgehill can entail.
By Sierra Smith, Communications Specialist
A distinguished narrative nonfiction writer, the Class of 2011's Mikeie Reiland has been published in Oxford American, The Bitter Southerner, SB Nation, and more including this recent feature on Nashville Soccer Club's Hany Mukhtar.
When he's not writing about athletes, or telling other important cultural stories, he's can often be found working with student-athletes as the High School boys Ultimate Frisbee coach.
As his coaching season ramps up, Reiland took a moment to share with us a few fond USN memories and how his time as a student on Edgehill helped prepare him for his current roles.
A: [Lower School Spanish Teacher] Maestra Vázquez is the greatest. Also, I play on a frisbee team, Nashville 'Shine, with USN alumni like Jack Spiva '13, Eli Motycka '13, Margie Quinn '09, Jesse Shofner '11, Sam Fisher '16, Nicky Farren '16, and Sydney Neal '21.
If you or someone you know is doing great work beyond Edgehill, please complete the form here to be considered for future installments of this series.
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A distinguished narrative nonfiction writer, the Class of 2011's Mikeie Reiland has been published in Oxford American, The Bitter Southerner, SB Nation, and more including this recent feature on Nashville Soccer Club's Hany Mukhtar.
When he's not writing about athletes, or telling other important cultural stories, he's can often be found working with student-athletes as the High School boys Ultimate Frisbee coach.
As his coaching season ramps up, Reiland took a moment to share with us a few fond USN memories and how his time as a student on Edgehill helped prepare him for his current roles.
Q: Please share a favorite memory from your time at 2000 Edgehill.
A: Winning State with the frisbee team junior year (2010) and senior year (2011).
Q: Is there anything else you'd like to share? Q: How did your USN education prepare you for the work you're doing today?
A: All my classes and teachers were great. [Former HS Spanish Teacher Lourdes Cuellar], my advisor, really pushed me in AP Spanish, which I still use to interview people for stories.
Most of all, though, from Profe Cuellar and from Mike Lutz and [MS Science Teacher] Tobey Balzer '02, the frisbee coaches, I learned how to work and improve at the things I care about. And to push through these buffer layers of irony and emotional distance and imposter syndrome that can sometimes keep kids from really going after what they want. I'm doing that with writing right now.
Most of all, though, from Profe Cuellar and from Mike Lutz and [MS Science Teacher] Tobey Balzer '02, the frisbee coaches, I learned how to work and improve at the things I care about. And to push through these buffer layers of irony and emotional distance and imposter syndrome that can sometimes keep kids from really going after what they want. I'm doing that with writing right now.
Q: What's one piece of advice you have for USN students?
A: This is borrowed from my friend Jesse Shofner '11, "Be willing to risk heartbreak." If you like really like something — writing, frisbee, pottery, music, theater, coding, etc. — I think it's healthy to want it to work out so bad that you'll be pretty upset if it doesn't.
As a 16-year-old, it's easy to be hyper-self-aware and not want to put yourself out there in case you mess up. But what's worse is to not try at all! I think I'm mixing Jesse and Sam Obisanya from Ted Lasso at this point.
As a 16-year-old, it's easy to be hyper-self-aware and not want to put yourself out there in case you mess up. But what's worse is to not try at all! I think I'm mixing Jesse and Sam Obisanya from Ted Lasso at this point.
A: [Lower School Spanish Teacher] Maestra Vázquez is the greatest. Also, I play on a frisbee team, Nashville 'Shine, with USN alumni like Jack Spiva '13, Eli Motycka '13, Margie Quinn '09, Jesse Shofner '11, Sam Fisher '16, Nicky Farren '16, and Sydney Neal '21.
If you or someone you know is doing great work beyond Edgehill, please complete the form here to be considered for future installments of this series.
School News
List of 3 news stories.
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Stokes earns Excellence in Auxiliary Award
Read MoreDirector of Auxiliary Services Rebecca Stokes was given the Summer Programs and Auxiliary Revenue Collaborative’s award for her work including students in the selection of a new playground, transitioning the school bookstore, refining registration systems and processes for summer camps & enrichment activities, and expanding the school’s cultural and holiday celebrations to be inclusive of USN’s diverse student body. -
Preview USN on November 14
University School of Nashville welcomes prospective families to tour the Edgehill Campus, speak with students, faculty, and administrators, and learn about our K-12 school's academic, athletic, and arts offerings. Sessions will take place at 9:30 a.m. for Middle & High Schools and 1 p.m. for Lower School. Let us know you are coming at usn.org/preview.Read More -
Secure your tickets to Artclectic Patrons Party today
Read MoreFor more than 30 years, Artclectic has been one of Nashville's premier juried art shows, welcoming nationally recognized artists and visitors from across the city to USN's Sperling Gym turned art gallery. The weekend features exceptional artwork, artist demonstrations, student experiences, family activities, and special events that celebrate creativity, with proceeds benefiting USN. Purchase your tickets today.
Athletics News
List of 3 news stories.
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HS athletics recaps for September 11-17
Tiger golfers have officially qualified for the region tournament, and our other teams are not far behind. Volleyball sits near the top of the district, finishing up regular season play next week with Senior Night. Girls soccer continues to hold first place in the district after another 9-0 win, and our cross country runners are chasing after some school records. To round it all out, our mountain bike team traveled to Oakfield to continue to improve on their times for the season. There’s plenty more where that came from- so be sure to come out to the River Campus, Sperling Gym, or out on the road to cheer on our Tigers before their seasons end.Read More -
MS athletics recaps for September 11-17
Middle School volleyball and tennis teams are nearing the final games of their seasons, with the competition heating up while the Tigers play to determine their HVAC rankings. Cross country was finally able to race at the River Campus despite the heat, and our mountain biking team traveled to Oakfield, Tennessee, for a high-temperature race weekend.Read More -
MTB Race #2 Report - Rockabilly Ridge Trails, Oakfield, TN
The MTB team returned to the the twisty trails of tranquil Oakfield, TN on Sept 13th to take part in the second race of the season, as part of the 5-race series hosted by the NICA/TICL League.Read More
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.