In Memoriam: Louise Sandberg (1980-2008)
MIAMI, Fla. — Louise Sandberg, a 1998 graduate from Miami Palmetto High School in Florida, has passed away after a battle with breast cancer. She was twenty-eight years old.
Sandberg twice qualified to the Tournament of Champions, and also qualified to NFL Nationals. Sandberg — pictured on the left at the 1996 Nationals, with Leslie Neeland and Alex Gomez — earned bids at prestigious tournaments from around the nation including the Glenbrooks, St. Mark’s, and Wake Forest. She was a finalist at the 1997 Wake Forest Early Bird.
She was well known for her ability to have an active spirit that would tell you exactly what she thought, and she would rarely bow to convention. She continued this spirit both at Emory University and Harvard Law School. And while accomplishing much at both places and making a multitude of friends, she began a long-standing fight with breast cancer.
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Posted from: 208.118.184.3
July 11th, 2008 06:56
There are people in your life who have an impact they will never appreciate. That is because they approach life with such a spirit that it teaches you what it really means to live. Louise will always be one of those special people to me.
Louise and I first met through high school debate when she was a true star in the year below me for Miami Palmetto. Her and her teammate Gomer (Alex Gomez) were easily two of the best juniors in the country and two of the best people to spend time with. More important than her ability though, was her attitude. She was full of it! :-) And she did it all with the most terrific smile and larger than life laugh. Louise was always a rock solid reminder not to take life or the circuit too seriously. She was never afraid to say what she meant, and she always meant what she said.
Louise and I reconnected as friends at Harvard Law School. I’m sad to say we lost touch when I went off to college, but seeing her again was like the years in between never existed. And once again, in another high pressured world of trophies and accolades, she reminded me that friendship was always the most important accomplishment.
Those who knew her undoubtedly feel this loss. Those who didn’t are all the worse for never having that opportunity. I am sure that for years, her spirit and memory will continue to guide me in seeing the difference between what is truly important and what everyone else tells you is important. I hope that everyone sometime in their life gets to know a Louise. I will miss her greatly.
Posted from: 128.255.108.42
July 11th, 2008 07:57
It’s hard to follow Anjan’s words not only because of the precision accuracy with which he describes Louise but also because after high school, my interactions with Louise were limited to sporadic catch up emails.
When our paths crossed in high school, it never ceased to amaze me that Louise was a high school debater. If you ever walked by her on the streets of Miami or Boston, you would never conclude that she ever spent weekends in high school cafeterias with the geek squad. If you ever spoke to Louise, you would undoubtedly be wowed by her intelligence but she’d quickly change the conversation to something actually interesting. It was not that Louise was the debater with personality, it was that Louise defined personality, in all aspects of her life. When the tournament was over (and sometimes before), she was the first to suggest that everyone hang out and spend time with each other. When people (yah, I mean me) started talking shop, she would let out a hearty laugh and give you this condescending look that made you remember that there was much more to life than round four. Stories about Louise’s rounds are the stuff of legends though. Thinking about some of them now, makes me smile. Never one to conform to convention, Louise was also a fierce competitor but I think that’s just because she hated losing rather than any particular interest in US foreign policy.
Even now, it’s hard to imagine a world without Louise. While I wasn’t close to her when she finally lost her battle, it saddens me to think about what all of us have lost upon her passing. Her brilliance, her fire, and her vibrance, made everyone around her take notice. However brief her time here was and however limited my experience was with her, she will, forever, sparkle.
Posted from: 143.223.30.50
July 11th, 2008 08:46
I have been away from debate for almost a decade now, and haven’t spoken to Louise in almost as many years. But this is truly heartbreaking news.
Louise was, without a doubt, one of the most dynamic and interesting people I had the pleasure to get to know as a debater and later, as a judge and coach. The world is certainly a less interesting and less fortunate place for her departure.
Mac Hawkins
Posted from: 12.174.60.16
July 11th, 2008 09:30
I agree with everything that has been said already. Louise had presence and confidence well beyond her years, and I always envied her for it.
She and I never debated one another, but I watched her debate friends and teammates many times. I was always impressed. Her intelligence was obvious, and her wit made it memorable. I was definitely scared of her talent, but also desperately wanted to see what I was capable of against her. Frankly, I was pretty sure I’d lose. :)
There were times I couldn’t believe what she had the guts to say and do, but that’s exactly why I loved watching her so much.
I always thought Louise was and would continue to be a world-defining person, both in rounds and outside of them. I’m so sorry to hear that she is gone.
Posted from: 204.194.98.34
July 11th, 2008 10:43
Louise was a fireball, a spark plug, a breath of fresh air on the circuit. I debated her only once. I can’t remember who won (I suspect that means she did), but I do remember how much fun I had during the c-x periods. She had an uncanny nose for finding the bulls–t center of her opponents’ cases and knew how to make you cop to it in under three minutes.
I actually thought about that round last week for no particular reason — that’s how much it stands out in my mind.
I haven’t seen or heard from Louise since high school, but hearing of her (our) loss reminds me that I wish I had held on to her friendship more closely. Her combination of warmth, charisma, intelligence and character was a rare gift.
Posted from: 96.229.143.242
July 11th, 2008 11:18
I’m so saddened to hear about her passing. I haven’t spoken to her in years, but no matter how much time has passed, her vivid, warm, and unique personality remains unforgettable.
Posted from: 216.98.223.200
July 11th, 2008 11:40
I also share in everyone’s sadness to have lost such a fabulous friend, competitor, and person. Louise was, hands down, the most vibrant debater in the country in the late 1990s. Even though she was younger than I, I looked up to her for her confidence and gutsiness. I think a lot of us secretly wished we could be even half as cool as Louise.
We lost touch after high school, but I was lucky enough to get to reconnect with her over email chats during law school. Seeing how many acquaintances from more than a decade ago are coming out of the woodwork to speak her praises is a testament to how many lives she touched.
Posted from: 38.116.36.205
July 11th, 2008 12:39
Raw. The only word I can think of to describe Louise. Her voice. Her attitude. Her bawdy sense of humor. There were strong women aplenty when Louise and I debated on the circuit. But Louise was different. She was strong with a voice that was unique. We were competitors and then classmates at Emory. We got back in touch during her days at HLS. Fellow lawyers joking now about how we’re professionally doing what we did for “fun” back in the day. It’s an odd thing - I always thought that people like Louise existed to remind the world about levity and that she would have to be around forever to teach us all that lesson. Her spirit and charisma is a loss to all of us that knew her and particularly those that did not. There are some people that you meet and perhaps may remember and then there are others you never forget…. Louise was unforgettable.
Posted from: 208.27.203.131
July 11th, 2008 13:00
I echo the thoughts of all who have shared. This is truly sad news. All the day-to-day complications of life fall into perspective. While I wish the occasion were a happier one, I am glad to hear from so many old friends. Louise was a unique, brilliant person, with fire and pizzazz and style. I know she would be happy that so many of her old friends have come together to celebrate her memory.
Posted from: 38.117.182.130
July 11th, 2008 13:39
Reading people’s thoughts here, there is little I can add . . . I too regret that I had lost touch with Louise, but feel blessed to have known such a brassy and beautiful soul. If I try very hard, I can remember that voice, yelling out something either hilarious or profound…
Posted from: 75.189.154.195
July 11th, 2008 14:26
I am deeply saddened to hear of Louise’s passing, and like so many others have expressed already, find it hard to come to terms with the fact that someone so vibrant and full of life is no longer with us. I will never forget the way Louise would literally run up to meet you whenever she saw you at a tournament (sometimes even run right into you), and always with some tale to share of what she had just said or done. She was one of the most talented debaters I have ever seen, and I can’t remember ever having as much fun in debate as getting to judge or watch one of her rounds. I was lucky to be one of the judges in the round Melissa mentioned earlier, and I certainly remember it as well as one of the most enjoyable I have ever judged. It is tragic to see Louise’s life cut short, but I do take a small shred of solace in knowing that Louise probably lived more in the all too short time she was given than many people blessed with a far greater number of years. I feel lucky to have known her and will certainly never forget her spirit and her passion for life.
Posted from: 67.35.93.153
July 11th, 2008 16:07
I deeply regret not calling to see how she has been. This goes to show life is way too damn short! Louise was a great influence in my mothers fight against breast cancer. My mother always looked at Louise as a fighter and I think in a way Louise inspired her to fight it and live life one day at a time and be happy with whatever life throws at you. I pray now that Louise will have the same effect on my mother that she did in the past. I am so sorry for her family and for everyone that held Louise close to her!
Posted from: 98.64.13.23
July 11th, 2008 17:12
Louise…
Our sisterhood will long be remembered and cherished. I will miss our “Lychee-tinis” - they just wont’ be the same without you.
I pray you’re a peace and and will emerge a beautiful butterfly!
Just as the beautiful person you were!
I know how proud I was to call you one of my son’s friend and can only imagine how proud your parent are of you yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Diane
Posted from: 69.84.111.54
July 11th, 2008 18:58
All I can say is thank you all for the kind words about my buddy. Much love and respect to you.
Alex
Posted from: 70.3.211.102
July 11th, 2008 19:38
I am truly saddened to hear of Louise’s passing. I remember our debate round at the Bronx like it was yesterday. That was the spirited cross-examination I have ever been a part of. While, I lost touch with Louise after high school, I was never in doubt that she would bring that spirit and attitude into anyone’s life that was lucky to know her.
I can add little more to the kind words that my old debate buddies shared above.
Posted from: 24.180.153.200
July 11th, 2008 20:21
I am so sad to hear of Louise’s passing. She had such a happy,energetic and honest personality. I will always remember the fun she brought on debate trips. My thoughts and prayers are with all those who shared in her life.
Posted from: 76.93.27.54
July 12th, 2008 22:01
I don’t know what to say except that I have always been enamored by louise. I love her very very much and am finding myself trying to make sense of something completely senseless. She was an incredible human being who touched many lives, including mine. My deepest sympathy goes out to her loved ones. I will be holding a memorial for her here on the west coast, so for those of you who can’t make the funeral in Miami, please email me at rachelsmintz@gmail.com. I will never ever forget you louise, you are truly one of the rare beauties this earth was fortunate enough to have been blessed by. I will always cherish our very fun adventures!! I love you then, now and always.
Posted from: 71.218.124.91
July 13th, 2008 10:45
Wow. When I saw this news, I couldn’t believe it. I remember Louise as a firecracker who never took s**t from anyone. Her memory cannot be lost because her spirit will resonate with everyone who ever had the good fortune to meet or know her.
RIP, Louise.
Posted from: 99.231.230.85
July 13th, 2008 14:29
This is very sad news indeed. Louise was all of the above, and really, above all.
Posted from: 74.10.198.118
August 2nd, 2008 13:15
I am so saddened to hear the news. While I can add little to the above, except for many many nods. Louise will be missed.