Linfield University Athletics

JUNIOR
Letter winner.
Appeared in 23 matches.
326 digs on the season
56 aces on the season.
 
SOPHOMORE
Letter winner.
Participated in 18 matches.
Averaged 0.24 aces per set.
Recorded 241 digs and 44 assists.
 
FRESHMAN
Letter winner.
Appeared in all 22 matches.
Finished with one kill and 10 assists.
Tied for sixth in the NWC with 27 aces.
Fourth on the team with 162 digs.
Recorded season-high seven aces against Division II Saint Martin’s on Oct. 19.
Had 24 digs against Whitman on Sept. 25.
 
ARLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
Three-time letter winner.
Two-time honorable mention All-Wesco pick.
Team captain.
Placed sixth as a team at the 2019 3A State Tournament.
Class Valedictorian.
National Honor Society member.
ASB Treasurer. Senior class officer.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Majoring in exercise science.
Daughter of Tina and Brent Richards.
 
WHY LINFIELD? Linfield was at the top of my list for many reasons. From the moment I visited the campus, it felt like it was exactly where I was meant to be. The environment is so positive and encouraging and it shows, not just in the people but in the academics as well. The student-teacher ratio was important to me since my field of study is so competitive. It also has really strong programs for all the careers I want to look into. On top of that, I had the opportunity to play volleyball, which sold me.
 
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A STUDENT-ATHLETE AT LINFIELD? Being a student-athlete means I get to compete and play the sport I love while also studying to create a successful future for myself.
 
WHAT’S THE BEST LINFIELD CLASS YOU’VE TAKEN AND WHY? Exercise Physiology has been the best class I’ve taken. It was not only fun, but it was also incredibly applicable to my future profession as a strength coach/sport scientist.
 
WHO HAS BEEN THE GREATEST INSPIRATION IN YOUR LIFE? WHY HAS HE OR SHE BEEN SO INFLUENTIAL? My mom and dad are both my greatest inspirations in my life. They have demonstrated what it means to be kind, work hard and always remain present through it all. They are two of the strongest, most dedicated people I know and I feel incredibly blessed to look up to the both of them.
 
THE GREATEST PRINCIPLE OR LESSON THAT I’VE LEARNED WHILE COMPETING IN ATHLETICS AT LINFIELD HAS BEEN… The impact you have on people’s hearts is far greater than any individual or athletic accomplishment. What you do on the court is only a sliver of your life and only a part of the crazy journey of college. I won’t always remember the end scores, but I will always remember and maintain the love I have for my teammates.
 
AS A LINFIELD STUDENT-ATHLETE, MY GOALS INDIVIDUALLY AND COLLECTIVELY FOR MY TEAM ARE...  I hope to make a positive impact on my teammates and be a good role model that helps shape the future of the program. I hope to walk away from Linfield knowing that I made a difference in people’s lives off the court while also motivating them to work hard on the court. As a team, I hope we continue to learn, grow and motivate each other each and every day.
 
WHAT MAKES YOU INTERESTING AS A STUDENT-ATHLETE? I love playing volleyball, not just because I love the game but because I love the people. I believe it takes a village, and being a student-athlete means I have like-minded people around me that are going through the same journey.
 
WHAT IS NEXT AFTER LINFIELD? My career focus is on health sciences with a clinical focus. Linfield has amazing programs that will help me get the best education while also having a close relationship with my professors.