Linfield University Athletics

CLARK COLLEGE
Member of the 2018 NWAC All-Star Team.
Member of two Southern Region Championship teams.
Finished 11^th in all-time points in school history at Clark College.
 
SAM BARLOW HIGH SCHOOL
Three-time letter winner in soccer.
All-Conference Honorable Mention recipient.
Member of the 2017 state quarterfinalist team.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Majoring in elementary education.
Daughter of Sharla and Tom Topaum.
Attended Clark College for two years before coming to Linfield.
 
WHY LINFIELD? I knew Linfield College was the right fit for me the day I visited. The campus and the atmosphere around it is exactly what I was looking for to continue my academic journey in the elementary education program. I was so impressed by the welcoming and energetic nature of the women’s soccer team. I am beyond excited to be part of the program for the next two years.
 
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A STUDENT-ATHLETE AT LINFIELD? To me, being a student-athlete means being dedicated. Not only to your sport, but also being dedicated to balance. I have learned how hard it can be to schedule both school and soccer at the same time. I've realized that the game is much more enjoyable when I do not feel guilty for spending time on it. At Linfield, being a student-athlete means representing something bigger than myself. It means working towards accomplishing goals (no pun intended) with teammates to achieve success in ways we couldn't without each other.
 
WHAT MAKES YOU INTERESTING AS A STUDENT-ATHLETE? Something that makes me interesting and unique as a student-athlete is that I also enjoy teaching soccer. When I'm home I work at Rose City Futsal in Portland, where I get the opportunity to teach classes and coach teams for young players. Coaching is what sparked my interest in elementary education. I think I'm really lucky to be able to use my hobby as a learning experience for my future career.
 
WHAT IS NEXT AFTER LINFIELD? My career focus is to get a bachelor of arts in education, and eventually a master’s degree in school counseling. Linfield is helping me achieve this goal by offering the elementary education program to get me one step closer to my goal.