Linfield University Athletics

JUNIOR
Letter winner.
Appeared in 19 matches.
Recorded a career-high 2.37 kills/set.
Tallied 16 service aces.
Had 15 kills and 15 digs against Whitman.
Dean's List recipient.
 
SOPHOMORE
Letter winner.
Started in 21 matches.
Had a kills per set average of 2.3.
Recorded 14 service aces.
Finished the season with 4 solo blocks.
 
FRESHMAN
Letter winner.
Had 10 kills and 3 digs against Whitworth.
Had 7 kills and 7 digs against Puget Sound.
Had 6 kills and 5 digs against Lewis and Clark.
Finished with 44 kills, 14 digs and 1 block. 
 
SOUTH SALEM HIGH SCHOOL
Four-time letter winner in volleyball.
First Team All-MVC as a junior and senior.
Helped lead team to a perfect 12-0 conference record in 2020.
Made the All-Star Academic Team all four years.
OSAA Academic All-State.
Honor Roll recipient.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Majoring in exercise science. 
Daughter of Blake and Nicole Watanabe.
 
WHY LINFIELD? 
I chose Linfield because the environment is amazing, and the people and community feel like family.
 
WHAT DOES BEING A STUDENT-ATHLETE AT LINFIELD MEAN TO YOU? 
Being a student-athlete means being a leader. I need to show up both academically and physically, giving my all into everything I do, no matter how hard things get. I’m here for my teammates and peers and will always be there to lend a hand.
 
HOW HAS PARTICIPATING IN SPORTS MADE YOU A BETTER PERSON? I’ve met all kinds of people while playing volleyball. Seeing different points of view, having an open mind, communicating and having my teammates’ backs have shaped me into the person I am today. Volleyball has given me a well-rounded view on life, which has taught me to never give up striving for what I want. Volleyball has also given me friendships that I’ll never forget.
 
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS? 
I see myself in the future career that I love, surrounded by great people and being happy. I strive to have this life. 
 
WHAT’S THE BEST LINFIELD CLASS YOU’VE TAKEN AND WHY? Ceramics or Advanced assessment. Both great environments and professors. I loved coming to class.
 
WHO HAS BEEN THE GREATEST INSPIRATION IN YOUR LIFE? WHY HAS HE OR SHE BEEN SO INFLUENTIAL? 
My little brother Kai has been my greatest inspiration. He’s the reason I keep going because I want to be someone he can look up to and inspire to be like. 
 
THE GREATEST PRINCIPLE OR LESSON THAT I'VE LEARNED WHILE COMPETING IN ATHLETICS AT LINFIELD HAS BEEN… I
Finding the reason why you do what you do.
 
AS A LINFIELD STUDENT-ATHLETE, MY GOALS INDIVIDUALLY AND COLLECTIVELY FOR MY TEAM ARE…
Be present in the now and always be that person someone can lean on.