WELCOME TO LINFIELD UNIVERSITY
game operations | event staff
EVENT MANAGER
Casey Powell
COMMUNICATIONS
Conner Jensen, Kelly Bird
STATISTICS
Sydney Pfleiger, McKenzie Heckman
PENALTY MONITOR
Mia Arellano
PUBLIC ADDRESS AND SCOREBOARD
Emerson Teller
PLAY CLOCK
Julia Alvarez
VIDEO WEBCASTS
Johnny Miller, Ethan Kline, Joe Stuart, Joel Nelson
GAME PROGRAM
Kelly Bird, Conner Jensen, Felipe Unker
75 caity babcock
WILDCAT SPOTLIGHT
drawn to helping others
Wanting to aid people in meaningful ways, psychology major Gracie Pratt is pointing toward a career as a therapist
by amelia solt ’27
Lacrosse is easy to fall in love with. It’s a fast-paced and strategic team sport that requires a lot of skill and can hook players into its game quickly.
Linfield University’s Gracie Pratt found this truth out for herself at age 11 when she began playing the sport. It drew her interest nine years ago and she’s never let go of it since.
“I instantly fell in love with the fast pace and the unique blend of strategy, skill and physicality,” says the junior defender. “It’s a game where you have to rely on your teammates and execute plays to make things happen.”
The team aspects are what make the game of lacrosse so special to Pratt. She highly values the bond she shares with teammates, both on and off the field.
But just like every other collegiate athlete, Pratt is so much more than just a lacrosse player.
The psychology major has high aspirations to become a therapist in her future. She’s always had a deep interest in understanding how people think and feel – an interest that undoubtedly helps her thrive in a team sport as much as it will in her chosen future profession.
“Growing up, I found myself drawn to helping others, whether it was through listening to friends or offering support to those who needed it,” says Pratt. “Over time, I realized becoming a therapist would be a way for me to use my passion for helping people in a meaningful and impactful way.”
Attending Linfield has helped her realize this dream. After enrolling in her first psychology class, she really fell in love with the study of the brain and knew that becoming a therapist was what she wanted to do. The university has provided Pratt with everything she hoped it would. It has proven to be everything Pratt wanted from a university, and more.
“Linfield stood out to me because it is a beautiful campus, it has strong academic programs and the opportunity to play lacrosse at a competitive level while still maintaining a close-knit community feel,” says Pratt. “What makes Linfield special to me is the sense of community, where you know people by name and have the chance to form meaningful relationships, whether it’s with professors, coaches or teammates.”
Being a therapist could lead Pratt anywhere following graduation. The Colorado native hopes to discover a new place to live in and explore. Although both Colorado and Oregon places she has deep appreciation for, Pratt hopes to land somewhere new where she can find the best opportunities for her career and make the biggest impact.
Wherever Pratt may end up, the skills that she learns on the lacrosse field will help her be successful no matter what.
“Lacrosse has taught me a lot about teamwork, resilience and perseverance – qualities I think will be invaluable in my future career as a therapist,” she says. “The sport has also taught me how to handle pressure and manage stress, which are important qualities to have when dealing with the emotional weight of a therapeutic environment.”
Despite all the lessons lacrosse has taught her, it’s not the only thing that drives who she is.
In fact, Pratt credits her ability to navigate life with a sense of balance to her parents’ commitment to their values, work ethic and ability to overcome adversity.
“While they are dedicated to their work and responsibilities, my parents have always made time for family and personal connections, which is something I strive to emulate,” says Pratt. “Additionally, they have taught me what it means to work hard, show resilience and live with integrity.
They both have incredibly strong work ethics and have worked hard to create the life we have, showing me the importance of perseverance and dedication.”
While Pratt’s parents have inspired her to work harder and stay true to her values, she hopes to inspire young athletes trying to become collegiate
“Stay dedicated and believe in ourself, even when things get tough,” says Pratt. “If you are passionate about the sport and willing to put in the work, it’s so worth it. But don’t forget to enjoy the process and have fun, because the memories you make along the way will last a lifetime.”
Being a part of the Linfield lacrosse team has reminded Pratt of the importance of enjoying the process and the people who make up the experiences of college athletics.
“It’s more than just a team; it’s a family and the bond that we share that has grown substantially over the past three years,” says Pratt with a smile. “I know I can count on my teammates both on and off the field. It’s been an incredible experience and I’m proud to be a part of this program.”
LINFIELD LACROSSE COMPLEX
LINFIELD LACROSSE COMPLEX
THE DREAM OF A MODERN lacrosse and soccer facility at Linfield became reality in 2020.
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.
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. Dressing rooms are part of a multi-purpose structure planned for the stadium’s northwest corner. The new
building will 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.
25% off First Month’s
plus Free Security Lock. Two McMinnville locations on Lafayette Ave. Providing customers with a secure, clean, well-lit and convenient
HEAD COACH SARAH DALSEY
from the ground up
Sarah Dalsey is steadily breathing new life into the Linfield lacrosse program, growing expectations for future success
Sarah Dalsey is in her third year as women’s lacrosse coach at Linfield. She is the ninth women’s lacrosse coach in the program’s 26-year history.
Before coming to Linfield, Dalsey worked for one year at NCSA Sports, connecting prospective students and families with collegiate athletic programs that fit their interests and needs. In 2020, she worked at Pro-Fit in West Berlin, New Jersey, managing administrative and financial workflows.
Dalsey’s administrative experience also includes internships at McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland, where she assisted the director of athletics with a variety of essential tasks, and at Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York, where she served one year in the athletics communications office.
Her coaching resume features three years as an assistant women’s lacrosse coach at McDaniel and two years assisting at Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan. In addition, Dalsey was head coach of the Nike Girls Lacrosse Camp at McDaniel College and Pace University, and led club travel teams in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut.
Dalsey completed a bachelor’s degree in Sports Studies and Communications/Media Studies at Manhattanville College. She went on to earn a master’s degree in kinesiology from McDaniel while serving as a graduate assistant coach.
sarah dalsey
Maya wright | 2
5-3 | Senior | M/A West Linn, Oregon
evelyn cross | 5 5-5 | Freshman | A San Diego, California
Gabby crist | 7
5-5 | Junior | M Lake Oswego, Oregon
Madison de la trinidad | 3
5-8 | Freshman | A/D West Los Angeles, California
Elizabeth Long | 13 5-0 | Sophomore | D Cottage Grove, Minnesota
Mackenzie Kulick | 25
5-5 | Senior | M/D The Woodlands, Texas
Grayce Miller | 20 5-1 | Junior | D San Diego, California
emma baker | 15
5-4 | Freshman | D San Diego, California
Kelsey Reinemer | 22 5-8 | Senior | D Redmond, Oregon
Maizri chandler | 28
5-8 | Junior | M/A Scappoose, Oregon
Caity babcock | 75
5-5 | Senior | GK Salinas, Califronia
Savannah irwin | 6 5-7 | Junior | O Bend, Oregon
Emma gallegos | 21 5-3 | Sophomore | D West Valleyt, Utah
Tenley hodge | 99
5-8 | Junior | GK Beaverton, Oregon
Sarah Dalsey Head Coach Third Year
Gracie pratt | 27 5-3 | Junior | D Carbondale, Colorado
Banking at Embold gets to the punt.
LINFIELD WILDCATS
WHITWORTH PIRATES
LINFIELD VERSUS WHITWORTH
match breakdown
13 elizabeth long
THE RECORDS
For the first time in program history, Linfield (7-3, 3-0 NWC) begins conference play with three straight wins and has its best overall start to a season in over 20 years. The Wildcats enter the week holding the top spot in the conference. Whitworth (4-4, 1-1 NWC) comes in owning a tie for fourth place.
LINFIELD AT A GLANCE
After exploding for 25 goals in three matches last week, Gabby Crist has skyrocketed up the leaderboard to rank first in the conference with 5.11 goals per match and first in points per match at 7.01. As a team, Linfield averages 16.5 goals and allows just 7.1 to opponents. This 9.4 goal margin ranks first in the NWC and the Wildcats’ .527 shot percentage is second. Caity Babcock and Tenley Hodge protect the goal for Linfield with Hodge taking the bulk of the workload and logging 38 saves and a .369 save percentage. Savannah Irwin is putting together an impressive junior season with 23 goals, 23 assists and 29 ground balls.
WHITWORTH AT A GLANCE
The Pirates have totaled the fewest turnovers in the conference with 154 on the season. They also dominate draw controls with 143. Offensively, Campbell Vincent stands above the rest with 31 goals, ranking third in the NWC. Her .818 shot on goal percentage is also among the conference leaders and the Pirates boast a .753 shot on goal percentage as a team. In goal, Sage Fosnock and Kayla Jones split time with the pair totaling 51 saves and a .364 save percentage.
SERIES HISTORY
The Wildcats lead Whitworth 7-4 in the all-time series but have lost the last four meetings against the Pirates. Linfield’s last win came in 2022 in Spokane.
NORTHWEST CONFERENCE
LACROSSE STANDINGS
LINFIELD SPORTS NETWORK
The Linfield Sports Network will again bring fans live action of all home Linfield lacrosse matches during the 2025 season. Fans can enjoy live video webcasts with play-by-play commentary on their computer, tablet, mobile device or smart TV.
Live coverage begins 10 minutes prior to the start of each contest. Broadcasts include a complete postgame wrap-up with analysis and statistical breakdown.
McMinnville native Joe Stuart, a 2020 Linfield graduate, is the Athletics Broadcast Operations Coordinator, managing all aspects of Linfield’s webcasting outreach and handling lead play-by-play duties on Linfield football, baseball and softball webcasts in addition to basketball. Stuart also assists with other external sports communications and social media needs.
Linfield juniors Johnny Miller and Ethan Kline will share playby-play duties on Linfield lacrosse broadcasts this spring. Miller is a graduate of Jesuit High School in Portland and a member of the Linfield football team. A Salem native, Kline is a first-year member of the LSN team and a graduate of South Salem High School.
All LSN broadcasts, both live and on demand, can be accessed at golinfieldwildcats.com/watch or from within the Linfield Athletics app on mobile, tablet or smart TVs.
OUTLAST OUTLIVE
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LINFIELD DANCE
A Heritage of Confident Service
The Linfield Athletics Hall of Fame, sponsored by Pacific Office Automation, was established in 1998 as an avenue to honor former athletes, coaches, staff and contributors and to preserve the memory of their past achievements.
A new class of inductees is honored at the Hall of Fame Banquet each fall. Inductees are chosen from a list of submitted nominations and voted upon by the Hall of Fame Executive and Selection Committees. The 20-member panel is made up of current and former staff members, past inductees, a member of the media, and a former athlete representing each of the preceding six decades.
Nominations must be submitted in writing using an official nomination form. Hall of Fame nominations are considered in any one of six categories: Athlete, Coach, Team, Athletics Staff, and Meritorious Service.
RECENT HONORS
Lighting up the scoreboard, Gabby Crist named NWC Offensive Student Athlete of the Week
Linfield women’s lacrosse player Gabby Crist was recognized by the Northwest Conference as the Women’s Lacrosse Offensive Student-Athlete of the Week for her outstanding performances last week.
Playing in her junior season, Crist lit up the scoreboard in Linfield’s three wins over Pacific, Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran. She totaled 25 goals, reaching 10 goals in a match twice to place second in the program record books for goals in a single match. She also tallied four assists for 29 total points to go along with six ground balls and six caused turnovers.
The Lake Oswego native captains a Linfield team that is off to its first 3-0 conference start in program history. She currently leads the conference in goals per match and points per match at 5.11 and 7.01, respectively.
PROUD PARTNER OF LINFIELD ATHLETICS
