Seventeen women across six Linfield programs received the Vern Marshall Award since its inception in 2002. Kate Walkup made history in 2022-23, becoming the first female swimmer to earn the award.
 
The Vern Marshall Award is named after a former Linfield student-athlete and longtime college and professional sports referee. The honor recognizes the top male and female athletes who compete with the greatest tenacity.
 
The Northwest Conference champion in the 400-yard individual medley and 200-yard backstroke, Walkup was also a member of four winning relay teams at the NWC Championships in February. A First Team All-NWC selection, the senior from Eugene led the 'Cats to their first team title in 30 years. She went on to earn an Academic All-District nod from the College Sports Communicators (CSC).
 
Walkup defended her title in the 400 IM, winning with a time of 4:31.61 on Day 3 of the big championship meet. She returned on the final day of action to break the Linfield record in the 200 backstroke, cruising to a 2:04.11 finish.
 
A constant Dean's List recipient and NWC scholar athlete, Walkup will graduate with a degree in journalism and media studies. She currently serves as the sports editor of the Linfield Review and helps manage the women's swim team's social media accounts. Walkup is a member of Linfield's chapter of Alpha Phi sorority.