Linfield University senior Tyler Warden has been named the recipient of the 2025 Vern Marshall Female Award, recognizing her exceptional tenacity and competitive spirit as a student-athlete.
 
The Vern Marshall Award is presented annually, and it honors the top male and female Linfield athletes who embody the tenacity and determination exemplified by the late Vern Marshall Sr., a 1957 Linfield graduate and longtime collegiate and professional sports official. The award was established in 2002 in memory of Marshall's legacy.
 
Warden, a standout for the Linfield women's softball team, capped her career with the Wildcats making another deep postseason run. The pitcher from Monroe, Oregon started in 47 games over the course of her career and holds a 3.24 career ERA. The senior went 30-6 throughout her career and totaled 235.1 innings pitched. She also tossed four shutouts in her final season while helping the Wildcats reach the NCAA DIII Championships.
 
Known for her unwavering leadership, Warden not only earned second team All-NWC honors in 2025, but received high praise from Linfield softball head coach, Jackson Vaughan:
 
"Tyler is one of the all-time great program kids and leaders to come through the softball program," said Vaughan. "She led our team every day with a tremendous work ethic, positive attitude, willingness to help the team, and fierce determination to still compete every time she had the opportunity."
 
Beyond the stat sheet, Warden's leadership and toughness were defining characteristics throughout her Wildcat career. She becomes the 14^th Linfield softball player to win the award since its inception in 2002, with Brynn Nelson receiving the honor last year.