WILDCAT SPOTLIGHT

Proper Prior Preparation

Still sorting through which career path to follow, Elena Kroll is certain her Linfield experiences are leading to success

by marissa dolson ’24

Elena Kroll has been thriving in her academics at Linfield University while working hand-and-hand outside of the classroom with one of her professors, Hillary Crane.

A two-sport athlete who wrestles and competes in lacrosse, Krane has collaborated with Crane on researching and discussing the topics of Catholic communion and celiac disease.

“Professor Crane was studying how the communion cracker that people eat isn’t gluten-free, which means that people with celiac disease aren’t able to eat it and go through a traditional communion.

“It’s a complex situation because some churches don’t budge and alternatives are hard to find,” Kroll says. “Over the summer, I did research for her and created a bibliography for an article. I also looked at blogs and chats that talked about the subject to learn what the population affected by this problem have to say about it.”

In addition to her research experience, Kroll is working on finalizing her bachelor’s degree in anthropology and global cultural studies with a focus on Latin America.

To expand her knowledge of global and cultural studies, Kroll has spent time studying and traveling to different parts of the world.

“I studied in Alicante, Spain, and had an amazing time traveling Europe. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to put that into my four-year plan. Studying abroad was something I always knew I wanted to do and it exceeded my expectations,” she says.

“I learned so much and got to visit so many cool places. My favorite city I visited was Florence, Italy. I’m glad I chose to pursue my majors because they allowed me to learn about other cultures and languages so that I could go and be successful in that experience.”

Kroll doesn’t know exactly which career path she’ll take, but she does believe she is on the right path. She continues to discover new passions within her major and the opportunities Linfield has offered her.

For emotional support, Kroll relies on her mother, Darla, her father, Trent, and her younger sister, Emma. She credits many of her best attributes to her family’s influence while growing up.

“My dad was my coach growing up and more specifically my wrestling coach in high school. He shaped me into the athlete I am now and taught me values and characteristics that I use every day at college and in the workforce. My parents have supported me through college and are always there when I need them. I wouldn’t have been able to get through college, let alone be a two-sport athlete without their support.”

Her family has shown her the definition of hard work through example. Kroll’s mother and father have always been her role models growing up.

“A few years ago, my mom opened her own business and became a leading pediatric physical therapist in Hood River, which is amazing. She is always so positive and has helped me so much as I transition to college and life afterward.”

Kroll is now using her family’s wisdom and models of work ethic to accomplish personal goals and help her team achieve their goals on the lacrosse field.

“I am hoping to get an all-conference award and to increase my caused turnover and ground ball statistics. This year, I am a team captain and I have been working hard on being positive, dependable and someone who my teammates know they can go to and count on.”

“For the team, I’m aiming to make it to the post-season games and to beat teams that we have previously had challenges with. We have been improving every day and making the changes we need to play well. I also have a goal that we learn how to play as a family and be cohesive. If we achieve that, then I know we can be successful

The memories at Linfield have been overwhelming Kroll with joy for the last four years. “The most memorable thing for me was my time on the lacrosse team; this year I also was on the wrestling team. These teams have allowed me to meet my best friends, learn leadership responsibilities, and have fun. It’s going to be so hard to stop being an athlete after I graduate because this has been a source of a lot of important things in my life.”

As the spring semester reaches a close, Kroll will wrap up her research with her professor, complete her degree, and conclude her experience in organized athletics. Despite it being her last semester at Linfield, Kroll says she’s learned countless life lessons, accumulated through all of her varied experiences.

“My experience at Linfield has made me more confident and has refined my leadership skills. I know Linfield has prepared me well for the future.”