2025
Member of the Linfield women’s soccer team.
Dean’s List recipient.
2024
Member of the Linfield women’s soccer team.
Dean’s List recipient.
SHORECREST HIGH SCHOOL
Two-time First Team All-WESCO.
MVP of State Semifinal game.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Majoring in Exercise Science.
Daughter of Alex and Cheryl Zahajko.
WHY LINFIELD?
I chose to attend Linfield because I felt that it was the perfect distance where it wasn't too far from home but also not too close. I also loved the idea of a small school and town.
WHAT DOES BEING A STUDENT-ATHLETE AT LINFIELD MEAN TO YOU?
Being a student-athlete means having to work a lot harder. You have to be able to be disciplined, but also not too hard on yourself. You need to be able to be strong not only physically, but mentally as well.
HOW HAS PARTICIPATING IN SPORTS MADE YOU A BETTER PERSON?
Growing up I was always a shy person, struggled making friends, and some points my mental health wasn't the best. When I step on the field, all that goes away. I've made friends from soccer that have lasted at least 10 years. I have to be a leader on the field and so I can't be shy, I have to use my voice.
WHAT'S THE BEST LINFIELD CLASS YOU'VE TAKEN AND WHY?
As difficult of a class as is it. Anatomy was a very interesting class for me. It took many nights of studying but I felt that the studying was fun and interesting and the professor, Daniel Zajic, was very forgiving and helped you in any way he could.
WHO HAS BEEN THE GREATEST INSPIRATION IN YOUR LIFE? WHY HAS HE OR SHE BEEN SO INFLUENTIAL?
My mom is my greatest inspiration. She went through so much throughout her life and always came out the other side stronger than ever. Never have I seen someone give such kindness to everyone. If I struggled in a class, she would be there reading the books to help me learn it. No matter who it was, she would always find some way to help others. I admire her everyday.
THE GREATEST PRINCIPLE OR LESSON THAT I'VE LEARNED WHILE COMPETING IN ATHLETICS AT LINFIELD HAS BEEN...
One main principle was that a team is as strong as its weakest link. I've been on both sides of a team, whether I'm on the weaker or stronger side, and this has taught me that supporting your teammates is so important. Pushing everyone to be the best they can be is crucial to being strong together.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY AS A LINFIELD STUDENT-ATHLETE SO FAR?
All of our practices with being a goalkeeper has been a blast. Every practice we have I laugh harder than ever.
AS A LINFIELD-STUDENT ATHLETE, MY GOALS INDIVIDUALLY AND COLLECTIVELY FOR MY TEAM ARE...
My goal for my team is to finished each practice feeling proud of our team. Even if we don’t win a game, I want to come off the field feeling like we did everything we could and played well.
