Linfield University Athletics

SOPHOMORE
Letter winner.
Appeared in 11 matches.
Finished the season with 4 service aces.
Finished with 41 digs.
 
FRESHMAN
Letter winner.
Ranked 5^th in total service aces.
Had 4 service aces and 10 digs against Puget Sound.
Had 12 digs against Willamette.
Had 2 assists against Pacific Lutheran.
Finished with 80 digs, 14 service aces and 2 assists.
 
SUMNER HIGH SCHOOL
Four-time letterwinner in volleyball.
Honorable Mention All-SPSL in 2021.
Two-year team captain.
National Honor Society member.
Member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.
Honor Roll recipient.
Put in more than 100 community service hours.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Majoring in exercise science with a focus in pre-med.
Daughter of Tim and Linda Downing.
 
WHY LINFIELD? Linfield was the school I subconsciously compared every other school to during my search. I chose Linfield because of the small school environment. A more personal learning experience is something I found helps me be more successful in and out of the classroom. McMinnville has a small-town feel that reminds me of home. My favorite thing is that I can feel that the community is involved with the school, especially when it comes to athletics.
 
WHAT DOES BEING A STUDENT-ATHLETE AT LINFIELD MEAN TO YOU? Being a Linfield student-athlete means the world. The thought of wearing a jersey to represent this special community is exciting. Although I feel some pressure to uphold the proud legacy, I’m excited to become a role model both in and out of the classroom.
 
HOW HAS PARTICIPATING IN SPORTS MADE YOU A BETTER PERSON? Participating in sports has taught me more life lessons than I realized. Problem solving is a big one. I’m faced with diverse people and situations that force me to adapt. I noticed that people look up to me whether I realize it or not. Being a genuine leader keeps me in check. I hope to inspire future generations to fall in love with a sport that means a lot to them. Sports have brought a lot of friends and mentors into my life. Most of the people I meet challenge me to be the best player and person I can be both on and off the court.
 
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS? A lot can change in 10 years, but I hope to be successfully working somewhere I love. I’d also like to coach in my spare time.
 
WHATS THE BEST LINFIELD CLASS YOU’VE TAKEN AND WHY? Sports philosophy with Professor Jesús. STEM classes have always had my heart and I was nervous to take a philosophy course but that changed very quickly. He took the time to make you critically think about numerous complex ideas, but gave you the resources to form your own opinions.
 
WHO HAS BEEN THE GREATEST INSPIRATION IN YOUR LIFE? WHY HAS HE OR SHE BEEN SO INFLUENTIAL? My papa has taught and shown me the true value of living your life to the fullest. He was the kindest, most genuine man I will ever know and found his purpose by being there for his family and friends.
 
The Greatest Principle or Lesson That I've Learned While Competing in Athletics at Linfield has been… I’ve learned in athletics the power of resilience. In sports, setbacks and challenges are inevitable. Whether it’s a loss, an injury or a tough practice or a game, resilience teaches us to bounce back stronger. It’s not about letting failures define us but using them as opportunities for growth and improvement.