Linfield University Athletics

PENDLETON HIGH SCHOOL
Placed third in Oregon State Cheer Championships.
Placed second in districts.
Lettered five times in cheer and track & field.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Majoring in exercise science.
Daughter to Sonia & Seth Hantke, and Rafael & Bri Silva.
 
WHAT ARE THE REASONS YOU CHOSE TO ATTEND LINFIELD? I wanted to be at a small school so I could feel like I am part of a community. Linfield also offers an amazing 1st gen program which is very important to me and my family. The community and professors here at Linfield make me proud to be a Wildcat.
 
WHAT DOES BEING A STUDENT-ATHLETE AT LINFIELD MEAN TO YOU? Being a student athlete is important to me because I will get to meet new people and be more involved with the school. I enjoy challenging myself in athletics and academics.
 
HOW HAS PARTICIPATING IN SPORTS MADE YOU A BETTER PERSON? Working with others on a team made me realize the importance of communication. Every sports team I have been a part of has felt like a family. I strive to be better than I was yesterday and continue to reach new goals.
 
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS? In 10 years, I see myself starting my career and giving back to my community. I am working to become a physical therapist with a specialty in women's health and pediatrics. These specialties are not very common, but are heavily needed, especially in rural areas. I would love to move back near home and provide for areas in need.
 
WHAT’S THE BEST LINFIELD CLASS YOU’VE TAKEN AND WHY? Intro to research in physical activity. This class was amazing because it teaches you how to be an informed consumer of research. This is so important in any job because information and new studies are always coming out, and as a future physical therapist, it is important for me to stay informed on new practices so that I can give the best treatment.
 
WHO HAS BEEN THE GREATEST INSPIRATION IN YOUR LIFE?My dad. He is so influential because he came to the United States from Mexico with the hopes of giving his kids a better future. He was never able to finish middle school because he had to help support his family. This motivated me to do as much as I could in school to show him what his sacrifice allowed me to do.
 
THE GREATEST PRINCIPLE OR LESSON THAT I’VE LEARNED WHILE COMPETING IN ATHLETICS AT LINFIELD HAS BEEN… Teamwork. Before Linfield I enjoyed individual sports. After joining the cheer team, I realized the value of teamwork. It was so amazing to be apart of a team of women who are constantly challenging and encouraging each other to be better.
 
AS A LINFIELD STUDENT-ATHLETE, MY GOALS INDIVIDUALLY AND COLLECTIVELY FOR MY TEAM ARE… I hope to improve my skills and be a leader that others can go to for help whether it be outside of practice, with school, faith or just needing someone to talk to.
 
WHY DO YOU WANT TO CONTINUE TO BE ON THE TEAM? I think it was a great opportunity to meet new people and I loved getting to be apart of a team.
 
WHAT TYPES OF ACTIONS DO YOU PLAN TO TAKE TO MAKE OUR TEAM BETTER THAN PREVIOUS SEASONS? Showing up for everything! I will be willing to settle into any position to help our team.