LINFIELD UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S SOCCER VERSUS PACIFIC • OCTOBER 2, 2022

CROSS COUNTRY

Sept. 2 Linfield Harrier Classic 1 p.m.

Sept. 16 Ash Creek Invitational 5 p.m.

Oct. 1 Charles Bowles Invitational 9 a.m.

Oct. 16 Lewis & Clark Invitational 11:15 a.m.

Oct. 29 NWC Championships 10 a.m.

Nov. 13 NCAA III West Region Champ. 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 NCAA III National Championships TBA

FOOTBALL

Sept. 3 Huntingdon 6 p.m. CDT

Sept. 17 Redlands 1 p.m.

Homecoming

Oct. 1 Puget Sound 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 Whitworth 1 p.m.

Oct. 15 Pacific 1 p.m.

Oct. 22 Pacific Lutheran 1:30 p.m.

Family Weekend

Oct. 29 George Fox 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 Willamette 1 p.m.

Pacific Office Automation Hall of Fame Game

Nov. 12 Lewis & Clark 1 p.m.

MEN’S SOCCER

Sept. 1 Multnomah 7 p.m.

Sept. 3 Eastern Oregon 4 p.m.

Sept. 5 College of Idaho Noon

Sept. 11 La Verne 11 a.m.

Sept. 12 Lewis & Clark 7 p.m.

Sept. 17 Pacific Lutheran 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 18 Puget Sound 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 24 George Fox 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 25 Pacific 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 Whitman 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 2 Whitworth 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 9 Willamette 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 Whitworth 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 16 Whitman 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 Pacific 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 23 George Fox 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 Puget Sound 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 30 Pacific Lutheran 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 Willamette 1:30 p.m.

WOMEN’S SOCCER

Sept. 1 Multnomah 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 3 Warner Pacific 4 p.m.

Sept. 9 North Central 11 a.m. CDT

Sept. 10 Grove City/Centre 11 a.m. CDT

Sept. 17 Puget Sound Noon

Sept. 18 Pacific Lutheran Noon Sept. 24 Willamette Noon

Sept. 25 Lewis & Clark Noon

Oct. 1 George Fox 11 a.m.

Oct. 2 Pacific Noon

Oct. 8 Whitworth Noon

Oct. 9 Whitman Noon

Oct. 14 Puget Sound 5 p.m.

Oct. 16 Pacific Lutheran Noon

Oct. 22 Willamette Noon

Oct. 23 Lewis & Clark Noon

Oct. 29 George Fox Noon

Oct. 30 Pacific Noon

Nov. 5 Whitworth 11 a.m.

Nov. 6 Whitman 11 a.m.

VOLLEYBALL

Sept. 2-3 Pacific Coast Classic

2 New England 9:30 a.m.

2 La Verne 2 p.m.

3 Whittier 9 a.m.

3 Redlands 11:15 a.m.

Sept. 9-10 Oregon Trail Classic

9 Austin College 6 p.m.

10 1 p.m.

Sept. 16 7 p.m.

Sept. 17 6 p.m.

Sept. 20 6 p.m.

Sept. 23 7 p.m.

Sept. 24 6 p.m.

Sept. 28 7 p.m.

Oct. 1 6 p.m.

Oct. 7 7 p.m.

Oct. 8 7 p.m.

Oct. 14 7 p.m.

Oct. 15 6 p.m.

Oct. 21 7 p.m.

Oct. 22 6 p.m.

Oct. 26 7 p.m.

Oct. 29 6 p.m.

Nov. 3 7 p.m.

Nov 4

UC-Santa Cruz Willamette Lewis & Clark St. Martin’s Pacific Lutheran George Fox Pacific Puget Sound Whitman Whitworth Willamette Lewis & Clark Pacific Lutheran George Fox Paciic Puget Sound Whitworth Whitman 7 p.m.

WOMEN’S GOLF

Sept. 24-25

Oct. 1-2

8-9 NWC

MEN’S GOLF

Sept. 10-11

Sept. 24-25

Oct.

Classic

SPOTLIGHT

A CASE OF PERSISTENCE

Devastating injuries altered McCall Bennion’s road to soccer success, yet the senior remains committed to the program

by MARISSA DOLSON ’24

McCall Bennion has allowed patience and determination to be the driving forces in how she handles obstacles along the way.

Bennion’s time at Linfield has been memorable. Despite a series of ups and downs, she has found every opportunity to continue to make an impact upon those around her.

During Bennion’s freshman year, she faced some compli cated injuries, including torn ligaments in both knees. The fear of letting her team down or missing out on opportunities was devastating for Bennion.

“I tore my ACL/MCL/meniscus right before coming in for preseason my freshman year,” says Bennion, looking back.

“I learned a lot about how to integrate my rehab into soccer season while figuring out how to navigate the odd feeling of coming in for the first season on a college soccer team but not being able to play.”

Reaching out to see what other ways she could contribute to the team “was a good way to expand my comfort zones and learn about how Linfield plays. That way, I wasn’t as far behind once I was able to play the following season.”

Bennion has learned from her setbacks and opted not dwell on them. She has preached about the patience it has taken to recover from multiple knee injuries, but also other hardships that she’s battling through every day.

“My senior year of high school, I had a small bout with thyroid cancer that had some effects that have lasted throughout my time at college as well. Between that and my other injuries, I’ve learned a of patience and being kind to yourself when times are difficult. There are a lot of things toll on you during challenging moments. your harshness towards yourself is important. I also learned that it’s okay to ask for Her time at Linfield has been rable, she credits the memories to the people who have stood by her side and always helped her learn and grow as an individual.

“There are so many people I have met at Linfield or because of Linfield that such a positive difference in my life. Whether they are people who were just around for a short period of my time here or will end up being lifelong relationships, I have made memories with them and learned a lot from all of them. I don’t think there are one or two experiences that have made it memorable, but more of an accumulation of both

challenging and wonderful moments that will make these four years so memorable,” she says.

Her support system extends well beyond Linfield. Her par ents and siblings provide her endless support and motivation to persevere through some of the most challenging obstacles that one could imagine facing. Bennion’s family includes her mother, Christina, her father, Paul, and her younger brother and sister.

“My mom is one of the most amazing women I know, she says. “I look up to her every day. My dad is one of my biggest inspirations and I am lucky to have him as a role model. My brother and sister are two of my best friends, and I will always be grateful to them. I am very close with my family and am so incredibly lucky to have such a loving support system. I know I could call any of them on the best and worst days and they would celebrate the highs and be there with me when things are more challenging. They have helped me learn to love who I am while always seeking to grow, they have always encour aged an open mind and learning about things that I am curi ous about, and helped me step out of my comfort zones when I am ready.” says Bennion.

During the challenging and emotionally draining times, Bennion always refers back to a simple note her mother wrote to her. The note reads: “You’ve got this! But if you ever feel like you don’t, don’t be afraid to lean on those around you.”

Bennion keeps that note close to her heart. It picks her up when she needs a little extra encouragement to get through the day.

Bennion also refers to the note from her mother when school becomes challenging. Bennion is pursuing a degree in psychology. She later plans to apply to a physician’s assistant school. Bennion is wavering between specializing in pediatric oncology or sports medicine.

Academically, Bennion has excelled. She mentions many valuable life skills she has gained education at Linfield. Those skills will be carried with her through every aspect of life. academic career at Linfield has helped person. I’ve learned a lot about time management, perseverance and the impor tance of a healthy balance between academics, athletics and the other parts of my life that I value,” says the native of Boise, Idaho.

McCall Bennion’s journey is abso lutely inspiring. She’s proven to every one that anything is possible with the right mindset. She has shown that patience, drive, perseverance and an amazing support system can allow you to flourish. De spite balancing school work, academics, injuries and illnesses, Bennion thrived with her team and even studied abroad in Ireland.

AND LACROSSE COMPLEX

THE DREAM OF A MODERN soccer and lacrosse facility at Linfield University has become reality at last.

Linfield director of athletics Garry Killgore spearheaded a vision for a $1.55 million project to revamp the current soccer and lacrosse facility. Completion of the project’s first phase was completed in December 2020. Phase 2 will get underway once funding is secured.

The vision for substantially upgrading the Linfield Soccer and Lacrosse Complex has been discussed for many years. With the help of private funding from a cross-section of donors, the project is proceding in two phases.

In Phase 1 of the project, the natural grass field was converted to FieldTurfTM, providing Linfield teams an ideal year-round practice and playing surface while substantially reducing maintenance and game setup costs. The field was draped with branded mesh screening, providing for a more intimate and enclosed setting. Six enclosed storage spaces to house team equipment and supplies are included in Phase 1.

Phase 2 calls for a new seating for 250 spectators as well as an adjoining paved plaza. It includes construction of a new pressbox on the west side of the field. Phase

2 could begin as early as 2021.

Dressing rooms for the women’s lacrosse and men’s and women’s soccer and teams are included as part of a multi-purpose structure planned for the stadium’s northwest corner. The new building will also contain a dressing room for visiting teams and game officials, restrooms and a concession stand.

Under the leadership of Linfield alumnus Rob Gloeckner of Tarkett Sports, the grass field was converted to a FieldTurfTM surface. The custom-branded storage containers are being furnished by Boxwell co-founder Rod Bolls, a former Wildcats soccer player.

Erin

Steve simmons

THE WILDCATS match breakdown

THE RECORDS

Linfield is hungry for its first win in Northwest Conference play, sitting at 2-4-2 overall with a 0-3-1 NWC mark. Pacific enters the week at 4-3-0 overall and 1-3-0 in NWC play.

LINFIELD AT A GLANCE

The Wildcats came out of last week’s homestand with a 3-0 loss to Willamette and a 3-3 tie with Lewis & Clark. Laney Green notched a pair of goals against the Pioneers to double her season total. She leads the team with four goals, including two game-winners. Janae Lewis and Ruby Lacktrup have scored three goals apiece. Lewis is also among five players with two assists. Sidra Griffin leads all non-goalkeepers with 555 minutes played. Emilee Miller is 2-4-2 in goal with 27 saves.

PACIFIC AT A GLANCE

The Boxers split against the Eastern Washington schools at home last week, fin-ishing the weekend with a 1-0 shutout of Whitworth. They’re averaging two goals and 10.6 shots per match. Mirella Garcia is leading the way offensively with five goals, which are tied for third in the NWC. Ivette Garcia-Gomez and Rhyah Jack-son have each scored three goals. Peyton Seals leads the team with a pair of as-sists. Kylie Pascual has played every minute in goal this season. She has 26 saves and a 1.71 goals against average.

THE SERIES

Linfield and Pacific have played each other 56 times. The Wildcats are 30-21-5 in those matches. The ‘Cats are 17-10-1 against the Boxers at home. The ‘Cats have either tied or won 10 of the last 11 meetings. The Boxers took the most re-cent meeting, a 1-0 contest last October in McMinnville.

14 sidra griffin

NAME

HT. YR./EL.

HOMETOWN / PREVIOUS SCHOOL

Emma Mulligan GK 5-10 Jr./Jr. Seattle, Wash. / Bishop Blanchet

Jaeda Doctolero M 5-1 So./So. Honolulu, Hawaii / Hawaii Baptist Academy

Yahaira Rodriguez F 5-1 So./So. Woodburn, Ore. / Woodburn

Ellie Friedrichsen D 5-6 Jr./Jr. Snohomish, Wash. / Jackson

Megan Sweeney D 5-4 Sr./Sr. Tualatin, Ore. / Tualatin

Kahiau Bonacorsi D 5-7 Jr./Jr. Makawao, Hawaii / Kamehameha Maui

Kami Echiverri D 5-3 So./So. Kahului, Hawaii / Maui

Bella Hanna D 5-9 Fr./Fr. Lakewood, Wash. / Lakes

Makenna Blix F 5-8 Sr./Sr. Beaverton, Ore. / Beaverton

Emily Hyde M 5-5 So./So. Silverton, Ore. / Silverton

McCall Bennion M 5-4 Sr./Jr. Boise, Idaho / Capital

Callie Kawaguchi F 5-3 Sr./Sr. Beaverton, Ore. / Baylor U.

Riley Omonaka M 5-2 Jr./Jr. Renton, Wash. / Lindbergh

14 Sidra Griffin M 5-7 So./So. Duvall, Wash. / Cedarcrest

15

Kamahie Samudio D 5-5 So./So. Lahaina, Hawaii / Kamehameha Maui

16 Raylynn Bucher D 5-6 Jr./Jr. Spokane, Wash. / East Valley

17 Jordan Stoner M 5-5 So./So. Bend, Ore. / Bend

18 Izzy Chauls M 5-7 Sr./Sr. Woodinville, Wash. / Woodinville

19 Abbie Bach D 5-5 Jr./Jr. Happy Valley, Ore. / Clackamas

20 Kathryn Pearson M 5-3 Fr./Fr. San Ramon, Calif. / Dougherty Valley

21 Mia Curtaz M 5-2 Fr./Fr. Novato, Calif. / Redwood

22 Ruby Lacktrup M 5-4 Fr./Fr. Seattle, Wash. / Holy Names Academy

23 Anna Dazey D 5-6 So./So. Corvallis, Ore. / Corvallis

24 Emma Sammartino M 5-3 Sr./Sr. Eagle, Idaho / Bishop Kelly

25 Laney Green F 5-10 Sr./Sr. Redding, Calif. / Shasta

Andrea Thompson M 5-4 So./So. Puyallup, Wash. / Rogers

Jasmine Williams D 5-5 Jr./Jr. Auburn, Wash. / Auburn Riverside

Sydney Pfleiger D 5-9 So./So. Beaverton, Ore. / Beaverton

Sarah Matsuba M 5-6 So./So. Corvallis, Ore. / Corvallis

31 Reese Jones D 5-5 Fr./Fr. Lake Forest Park, Wash. / Shorecrest

Jenna Stanley D 5-6 Fr./Fr. Puyallup, Wash. / Puyallup

Janae Lewis F 5-4 Fr./Fr. Gig Harbor, Wash. / Peninsula

Sofia Pietrok D 5-4 Fr./Fr. Portland, Ore. / Grant

Jillian Sipila M 5-0 Fr./Fr. Black Diamond, Wash. / Tahoma

Erin Isbister GK 5-4 Sr./Sr. Orange, Calif. / El Modena

Alexa Fritz GK 5-5 Fr./Fr. Bend, Ore. / Bend

Angela Munoz F 5-4 Fr./Fr. San Diego, Calif. / Mission Hills

Caylin Gadbery D 5-4 Fr./Fr. Salem, Ore. / Sprague

Emilee Miller GK 5-7 So./So. Beaverton, Ore. / International School

Safely

Kylie Pascual

PACIFIC BOXERS

5-6 Fr. Pearl City, Hawaii / Punahou School

Precious Brown D 5-5 So. Kahuku, Hawaii / Waldorf University

Julianna Ventura D 5-5 Sr. Pasco, Wash. / Walla Walla C.C.

Peyton Seals MF 5-3 Sr. Longview, Wash. / R.A. Long

Emily Rutkowski MF 5-3 Sr. Mesa, Ariz. / Apache Junction

Alivia Pittman

MF 5-8 Fr. Corvallis, Ore. / Philomath

Mirella Garcia F 5-4 Fr. Forest Grove, Ore. / Forest Grove

Sydney Burrington D 5-7 So. Maple Valley, Wash. / Tahoma

Katelyn Volchok

F 5-5 Jr. Portland, Ore. / Westview

Rhyah Jackson F 5-10 Fr. Bullhead City, Ariz. / Mohave

Ivette Garcia-Gomez MF 5-3 Jr. Hillsboro, Ore. / Liberty

Catalina Alvarado D 5-3 Sr. Tucson, Ariz. / Salpointe Catholic

12 Brooklyn Yano F 5-4 Jr. Kaneohe, Hawaii / Sacred Hearts Academy

14 Rylee Larson MF 5-2 Fr. Rockford, Minn. / Rockford

15 Gwendolyn Saing

MF 5-3 Fr. Beaverton, Ore. / Mountainside

16 Makaila Takahashi D 5-4 Fr. Forest Grove, Ore. / Forest Grove

17 Emma Blackwell MF 5-4 Fr. Hillsboro, Ore. / Hillsboro

18 Sarah Wong D 5-2 Fr. Kaneohe, Hawaii / Pearl City

20 Cyd Sugiyama MF 5-0 Fr. Pearl City, Hawaii / Pearl City

22 Chanyn Santos D 5-8 Fr. Waipahu, Hawaii / Pearl City

25 Rylie Goo D 5-2 Fr. Pearl City, Hawaii / Pearl City

28 Paige Tinder MF 5-6 Fr. Tacoma, Wash. / Franklin Pierce

29 Grace Hammermeister MF 5-5 Fr. Cheney, Wash. / Cheney

31 Anna Emerson MF 5-7 Fr. Salem, Ore. / West Salem

HEAD COACH STEVE SIMMONS

Steve Simmons is in the third year of his second tenure as Linfield women’s soccer coach. He is also in the midst of his fourth year as Linfield Assistant Athletic Director and Director of Soccer.

Simmons brings 15 years of Division I coaching experience at Oregon State and Northern Illinois, in addition to serving five years as head coach of the Linfield men’s and women’s soccer and women’s lacrosse programs from 1996 until 2000.

Simmons, who owns a career record of 190-166-31 in 20 seasons as a collegiate head coach, oversees the men’s and women’s soccer teams, and serves as an advisor to the women’s lacrosse coaching staff.

During his first tenure at Linfield, he took over a men’s team that went 1-15-0 in 1995 and led the Wildcats to three seasons of

double-digit wins, including a 21-1-1 mark in 2000.

Most recently, Simmons spent nine years as head coach of the Oregon State men’s soccer program where he won 63 games in his first seven seasons, including a Pac-10 runner-up finish in 2009. Prior to Oregon State, Simmons compiled a 59-473 record in six seasons as head coach at Northern Illinois.

He began his coaching career as an assistant at his alma mater, Concordia University-Portland, in 1990 before heading to Gonzaga University in 1994 as an assistant coach. A head coaching position followed the next season at Division III Whitworth University. Simmons led Whitworth to a 9-8-2 record in his first season to earn NWC Coach of the Year honors before moving on to Linfield.

The Linfield University TopCat Club serves as a support organization to the 21 NCAA Division III varsity sports teams and the more than 500 students who participate in athletics each year. Each year, support from the TopCat Club is essential to maintaining and expanding each of these programs.

The mission of the TopCat Club is to provide students with an outstanding athletic and academic experience and to strengthen the overall competitiveness of the overall Linfield athletics program.

At Linfield, we continually strive to improve programs and facilities so that our teams may compete at the highest level. Roughly 75 percent of the athletic department’s annual operating budget comes from the university’s general fund. The remainder is generated through a wide variety of external sources, including annual gifts to the Linfield TopCat Club.

To learn more about giving opportunities, please visit the TopCat Club website at www.linfieldtopcat.com.

MANAGED IT SERVICES

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Back row (l to r): Abbie Bach, Ellie Friedrichsen, Jordan Stoner, Sidra Griffin, Anna Dazey, Sydney Pfleiger, Laney Green, Bella Hanna, Kahiau Bonacorsi, Makenna Blix, Izzy Chauls, Jenna Stanley, Raylynn Bucher, Reese Jones.

Middle row: Head Coach Steve Simmons, Assistant Coach Erin Lutz, Callie Kawaguchi, Angela Munoz, Caylin Gadbery, Sofia Pietrok, Andrea Thompson, Megan Sweeney, Kamahie Samudio, McCall Bennion, Ruby Lacktrup, Janae Lewis, Emma Sammartino, Assistant Coach Madi Reimer, Assistant Coach Zayn Khan.

Front row: Emily Hyde, Jaeda Doctolero, Yahaira Rodriguez, Kami Echieverri, Mia Curtaz, Alexa Fritz, Erin Isbister, Emma Mulligan, Emilee Miller, Sarah Matsuba, Kathryn Pearson, Riley Omonaka, Jillian Sipila, Jasmine Williams.

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NCAA WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Maggie Fiocchi, a recent graduate of Linfield University and its women’s tennis program, is one of two Northwest Conference representatives under consideration for the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year award.

Fiocchi, who in May completed bachelor’s degrees in economics and psychology, is one of 151 nominees who were selected by confer-ence offices to move forward to the selection committee for Top 30 con-sideration for the Woman of the Year award. A total of 577 nominations were considered.

From the list of the Top 30 nominees, the Woman of the Year Selection Committee will announce nine finalists, three from each NCAA divi-sion. The NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics will review the finalists and name the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year at the NCAA Convention in January in San Antonio, Texas.

The Kennewick, Washington, resident was a four-time ITA Scholar-Athlete and a four-year honoree on the Linfield Dean’s List. She complet-ed four years at Linfield with nearly perfect 3.97 grade point average.

On the tennis court last spring, Fiocchi compiled a 13-2 record in singles, including a spotless 9-0 mark against NWC competition. She was equally as effective in doubles, rolling up a 14-3 record and an 8-1 total within NWC play.

golinfieldwildcats.com

Tennis star Maggie Fiocchi is one of 151 nominees under consideration for NCAA Woman of the Year

milner, stallard to handle soccer play-by-play

The Linfield Sports Network continues to bring fans live action of all home Linfield soccer matches in 2022. Fans can enjoy live video webcasts and play-by-play commentary on their computer, tablet, mobile device or Smart TV.

Live coverage begins 15 minutes prior to the start of each match. Broadcasts include a complete postgame wrap-up with analysis and statistical breakdown.

Linfield junior Isaac Milner begins his second season as the play-by-play voice of Wildcats men’s and women’s soccer. Milner started his broadcasting experience with the LSN last season covering soccer, providing color commentary on basketball broadcasts, handling occasional play-by-play duties for volleyball, basketball and softball as well as providing crucial production support on football, softball, tennis and swimming webcasts.

Senior Jack Stallard, a current member of the Linfield men’s basketball team, will also mix-in as an occasional play-by-play commentary voice. Stallard started out in broadcasting for the LSN last spring, calling play-by-play for baseball and softball.

LSN live broadcasts are under the direction of the athletic department’s Broadcast Operations Coordinator, Joe Stuart. In his second year in the position, Stuart oversees all technical production and management of LSN broadcasts as well as providing play-by-play commentary on football, basketball, baseball and softball webcasting in addition to assisting with other athletics communications needs.

All LSN broadcasts, both live and on demand, can be accessed at golinfieldwildcats.com/watch or in the Linfield Athletics app on mobile, tablet or smart TVs.

isaac milner

Volleyball great Amy Peterson headlines a list of six former Linfield standouts scheduled for induction in November

Six former athletes are set for induction this fall into the Linfield Athletics Hall of Fame. The honorees will be enshrined Saturday, November 5, in Ted Wilson Gymnasium following that afternoon’s football game.

The 24th Linfield Athletics Hall of Fame class includes Amy Peterson ‘97 (volleyball), Matt Craven ‘97 (football, track & field), Staci Doucette ‘12 (softball), Drew Fisher ‘12 (football), Kasey (Kuenzli) Williams ‘08 (women’s tennis), and Sonté Wong ‘01 (football, track & field). The Hall of Fame induction banquet, presented by Pacific Office Automation, begins at 6 p.m. with a social hour starting at 5 p.m.

Tickets for the Hall of Fame event must be purchased in advance online at www.linfieldsports.universitytickets.com

LINFIELD IN

Linfield University is the No. 1 liberal arts college or university in Oregon, according to Washington Monthly’s 2022 College Guide and Rankings. And for the fourth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report magazine has named Linfield University one of the best liberal arts colleges in the nation when it comes to social mobility.

In U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 rankings, Linfield was named the top liberal arts college in Oregon and No. 57 in the nation on the “Top Performers in Social Mobility” list.

The social mobility category measures how well universities graduate students who received federal Pell Grants. Students receiving these grants typically come from households whose family incomes are less than $50,000 annually, with most money going to students with total family incomes below $20,000. Of Linfield’s 1,762 undergraduate students last year, 480 individuals (27%) were Pell Grant eligible.

Linfield was also the highest ranked institution in Oregon on the “Campus Ethnic Diversity among National Liberal Arts Colleges” list and was recognized for the second consecutive year among the publication’s list of “Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs.”

U.S. News & World Report isn’t the only national publication recognizing Linfield’s commitment to improving the lives of students. Recently, Washington Monthly released its 2022 rankings, naming Linfield the No. 1 liberal arts college in Oregon and among the Best Bang for your Buck in the West.

Linfield skyrocketed into the top 100 top liberal arts colleges in the country – coming in at No. 66 – after being ranked 112th in 2021.

Washington Monthly ranks four-year schools based on their con tribution to the public good in three broad categories: social mobility, research and providing opportunities for public service. The full rankings can be found at washingtonmonthly.com/2022-college-guide.

Linfield named the top-rated liberal arts school in Oregon

NEW

Justin Salge has been hired as assistant baseball coach, Linfield baseball coach Dan Spencer announced recently.

Salge will oversee the outfielders and work with the hitters. He will also take a prominent role in athletic event operations, playing key role in coordinating on-field logistics and student operations crews on football game days.

“I am incredibly ecstatic about being hired here at Linfield,” said Salge. “Being able to learn and develop as a coach under Dan Spencer is something I’m really looking forward to.”

Salge comes to Linfield from the University of Texas at Austin, where he served as the baseball program’s camp specialist while simultaneously serving as a recruiting counselor within the Office of Admissions.

His coaching experience includes stops as head baseball coach with the Power Summer Collegiate League, at North American University and Houston Community College, and assistant coaching roles with the Houston Summer Collegiate League and San Antonio College. Salge is a birddog scout for the Tampa Bay Rays and has operates his own private baseball instruction business.

Salge received a bachelor’s degree in history from Stephen F. Austin University and followed by earning a master’s degree of education from Midwestern State University. He is approaching completion of a doctorate degree in global sport leadership from East Tennessee State University. Additionally, Salge completed a hitting and pitching certification course from Rapsoda, a data-driven baseball training technology program.

He expects to lend his experience to multiple areas of the Linfield baseball program. “Respectfully, I think I can help the program everywhere: baseball analytics, baseball strength, developing the JV program while also assist-ing the varsity program in all capacities.”

Salge, a native of Aransas Pass, Texas, is enjoying the milder climate and the engaging people he’s met in Oregon.

“I’ve never been to the Pacific Northwest until now. It’s very homey. People here are open, encouraging and welcoming. Joining the Linfield staff has been a tremendous experience.”

New to Yamhill

The Linfield baseball coaching staff adds experienced assistant Justin Salge from Texas