Isabella Grace Sause, known to family, friends, and teammates as Izzy, lived a life defined by energy, determination, and warmth. Born in Atlanta and raised in the close-knit community of Loganville, Georgia, she built a reputation as a dedicated soccer player and a student focused on caring for others. Her story reflects the everyday strength of a young woman who balanced athletic ambition with academic goals while facing serious health challenges.
Izzy Sause Early Life
Isabella Grace Sause was born on March 30, 2007, in Atlanta, Georgia, to parents Chris and Mandi Sause. She spent her entire childhood and teenage years in Loganville, a city in Walton County in the northeastern part of the state. Loganville sits in the greater Atlanta metropolitan area and is known for its suburban neighborhoods, strong local schools, and community sports programs. The area blends small-town feel with access to larger city opportunities, and it provided the setting where Izzy developed her love for soccer and formed close family bonds.
From a very young age, soccer shaped much of her daily routine. She began playing at age four and continued through local clubs and school teams. Her family supported her passion, and she grew up alongside her sister Savannah, who later joined her on the same college soccer roster. Loganville High School became a central part of her teenage years. There she earned a place on the Principal’s list for all four years, showing consistent academic effort. On the field she served as a four-year varsity starter and ranked as a top goal scorer under coach Blakelee Gibson. These years established the foundation for her later college career and her interest in helping others through healthcare.
Georgia itself, with its mix of urban centers like Atlanta and growing communities such as Loganville, influenced the environment in which she thrived. The state’s strong high school athletic tradition and access to competitive youth soccer leagues gave her opportunities to develop skills at higher levels before college.
Izzy Sause Soccer Journey and High School Years
Soccer remained the constant thread through her youth. After starting at age four, she progressed into competitive club environments. She played at the Elite Clubs National League and Elite Clubs National League Regional League levels with the Gwinnett Soccer Association and Atlanta Fire United. These programs demand high commitment and technical growth, and they prepared many players for college athletics.
At Loganville High School she continued to stand out. As a four-year varsity starter and top goal scorer, she contributed to team efforts while maintaining strong grades. The combination of athletic leadership and academic recognition marked her as a well-rounded student. Her time in high school also deepened family connections, since her sister Savannah shared similar interests in the sport. Outside of practice and games, she enjoyed music, often listening at high volume in the car or with friends, and she found peace at the beach during family trips to places such as Orange Beach or time spent with her boyfriend in Hilton Head.
Izzy Sause Career
Her athletic path continued into college when she enrolled at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville. There she joined the women’s soccer team as a forward wearing number 15. Standing 5 feet 7 inches, she brought energy and positivity to the Bobcats program, which competes in the Division II Peach Belt Conference.
College Athletics at Georgia College
As a freshman in the 2025 season she appeared in two games and logged a total of 15 minutes of playing time while recording two shots on goal. By her sophomore year she remained on the roster and continued to train and support the team even as she managed ongoing medical treatment. Her major followed a nursing track with a minor in public health. She pursued pre-nursing studies with a clear purpose: after experiencing dedicated care from healthcare professionals during her own illness, she wanted to support children facing serious health challenges.
The university community recognized her presence beyond statistics. Head coach Jack Marchant described her as a beaming light of positivity who saw the best in any situation and remained an integral part of the group. Teammates and staff remembered her ability to lift spirits and bring people together. Her sister Savannah also played for the same team, adding a family dimension to the college experience.
Academic Focus and Future Goals
Izzy balanced the demands of Division II soccer with coursework aimed at a nursing career. The pre-nursing path at Georgia College and State University requires strong academic performance and a genuine interest in patient care. Her stated desire to work with children reflected personal insight gained during more than two years of treatment for a rare form of melanoma. She continued studies while undergoing care, demonstrating focus and resilience.
Izzy Sause Personal Life and Interests
Family formed the core of her personal world. Parents Chris and Mandi Sause, along with sister Savannah, provided steady support. She is remembered for a smile and laugh that drew people in and for her natural ability to connect different groups of friends so that everyone felt included. Music remained a constant companion, and travel, especially beach destinations, offered her favorite escapes.
She valued time spent with teammates, classmates, and loved ones. Those close to her noted that she brought out the best in people and maintained an optimistic outlook even during difficult periods. Her life centered on simple, meaningful connections rather than public recognition.
Izzy Sause Health Challenge and Courage
For more than two years Izzy faced a rare type of melanoma. She continued both her soccer involvement and academic work during treatment. Family statements and university announcements highlighted her courage throughout this period. She passed away on August 30, 2026, at age 19, surrounded by family. The Georgia College and State University community and the broader Loganville area expressed deep sadness at the loss. A memorial service took place on September 18, 2026, at Graystone Church in the Loganville area, with visitation beforehand. The family requested donations to the Claire Marie Foundation, which works on efforts related to adolescent and young adult melanoma, in place of flowers.
Izzy Sause Legacy and Community Impact
Although her time was brief, Izzy left a clear mark on the people around her. Coaches, teammates, classmates, and family members repeatedly described her positivity and ability to improve the atmosphere wherever she was. The Bobcats program stated that she would always remain part of the group. Her story has prompted reflection within the university and local soccer community about the strength shown by young athletes facing personal challenges. By pursuing nursing while managing her own health, she modeled a commitment to service that resonated with those who knew her.
Loganville and the Georgia College campus continue to remember her through shared stories and the ongoing presence of her sister on the team. Her life illustrates how consistent effort in sports, school, and relationships can create lasting connections even in a short span of years.
Conclusion
Isabella Grace Sause lived with purpose, energy, and kindness. From her early days on Georgia soccer fields to her time as a college student-athlete and aspiring nurse, she approached each part of life with focus and optimism. Her story remains one of family support, athletic dedication, and quiet determination. Those who knew her continue to carry forward the positive influence she shared.
FAQs
Who was Izzy Sause?
Izzy Sause was Isabella Grace Sause, a soccer player from Loganville, Georgia, who competed for Georgia College and State University while studying pre-nursing.
Where was Izzy Sause born and raised?
She was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 30, 2007, and raised entirely in Loganville, Georgia.
What high school did Izzy Sause attend?
She attended Loganville High School, where she was a four-year varsity soccer starter and earned Principal’s list recognition each year.
What position did Izzy Sause play in soccer?
She played forward for the Georgia College and State University women’s soccer team.
What was Izzy Sause studying in college?
She followed a pre-nursing track with a minor in public health at Georgia College and State University.
When did Izzy Sause pass away?
She passed away on August 30, 2026, after a battle with rare melanoma lasting more than two years.
Did Izzy Sause have siblings?
Yes, she is survived by her sister Savannah Sause, who also played soccer for Georgia College and State University.
What organizations did Izzy Sause play for before college?
She competed with Gwinnett Soccer Association and Atlanta Fire United at the ECNL and ECNL Regional League levels.