Linfield University Athletics

FRESHMAN
Dean’s List recipient.
Appeared in eight games for the Wildcats.
Recorded four runs and one stolen base.
NFCA All-America Scholar Athlete.
 
GRESHAM HIGH SCHOOL
National Honors Society member.
CAL Ambassador.
Four-time letter winner in softball.
Three-time letter winner in volleyball.
Four-time All-Conference outfielder.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Majoring in nursing.
Daughter of Candice and Robert Downing.
 
WHAT ARE THE REASONS YOU CHOSE TO ATTEND LINFIELD? The reasons why I chose to attend Linfield University was because I was looking for a home with not only a really good nursing program, but also where I could further my athletic career these next four years with softball. At Linfield, I am able to begin my career for nursing while still being able to challenge myself at a competitive level. I enjoy the small community at Linfield and the friendships I have made along my journey.
 
WHAT DOES BEING A STUDENT-ATHLETE AT LINFIELD MEAN TO YOU? 
Being a student-athlete here at Linfield means you are involved in your community, develop strong leadership skills, and responsibilities such as being able to have good time management skills off the field, and being great at being discipline as well. I find being a student-athlete to be very rewarding.
 
HOW HAS PARTICIPATING IN SPORTS MADE YOU A BETTER PERSON? 
Growing up I have always been really active and involved in my community through sports. I realized that sports don't just help your physical and mental state of wellbeing, but sports impact your personality and character. You are surrounded with motivated well rounded determined individuals who want success and will push through hard things. By being able to play sports while having amazing teammates and support growing up, I have developed many skills that have made a positive impact on me along the way.
 
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS? 
In 10 years, I see myself being a pediatric nurse working in a hospital and maybe doing travel nursing. I want to have my own house on property still in Oregon with two dogs.
 
WHAT'S THE BEST LINFIELD CLASS YOU'VE TAKEN AND WHY?
The best class I’ve taken at Linfield is Anatomy. I had the opportunity to learn more about the human body and participate in hands-on experiences in the lab, including working with cadavers. This class also allowed me to dive deeper into how the body functions and strengthened my understanding of the material. With the help of having a great professor Daniel and enjoying the class with some of my softball teammates, I was able to apply for and be accepted into Anatomy 2 for Jan Term, which I’m very excited about.
 
WHO HAS BEEN THE GREATEST INSPIRATION IN YOUR LIFE? WHY HAS HE OR SHE BEEN SO INFLUENTIAL?
The greatest inspiration in my life is my parents. They’ve always been my biggest supporters, the people who remind me to believe in myself even when things get tough. They push me to grow, to keep trying, and to become the best version of who I can be. Their love, guidance, and constant encouragement have shaped who I am today. I’m truly grateful for everything they have done to support me. 
 
THE GREATEST PRINCIPLE OR LESSON THAT I'VE LEARNED WHILE COMPETING IN ATHLETICS AT LINFIELD HAS BEEN...
The greatest lesson I’ve learned while competing in athletics at Linfield is how to push through challenges and overcome hard things. Being part of this program has taught me the value of working hard for something I love and finding joy in the process. It has also shown me how special it is to share those experiences with my teammates, who have become some of my closest friends.
 
AS A LINFIELD STUDENT-ATHLETE, MY GOALS INDIVIDUALLY AND COLLECTIVELY FOR MY TEAM ARE...
As a Linfield student-athlete, my individual goal is to keep pushing myself to improve, staying consistent, and showing up for myself with a strong work ethic every day. Collectively, I want our team to continue to carry the Catball culture where we support each other, stay weird, and continue to grow together and work hard.