LINFIELD UNIVERSITY LACROSSE VERSUS WHITWORTH • MARCH 9, 2024

WILDCAT SPOTLIGHT

words to live by

To perform at her best, Linfield’s Grayce Miller embraces the mantra “Stay hungry, stay motivated and stay humble”

by MARISSA DOLSON ’24

Grayce Miller’s journey began in the coastal city of San Diego, California. Raised alongside two younger sisters in a supportive household, sports and the camaraderie that goes with them became huge parts of the Linfield University lacrosse player’s life growing up.

“My childhood revolved around sports and spending time with friends and teammates,” says Miller, now thriving in the collegiate realm. “Those moments shaped me, fostering a love for competition and teamwork that still burns bright today.”

Transitioning from the laid-back vibes of San Diego to the close-knit campus of Linfield, Miller has found herself immersed in numerous opportunities. From leadership roles in lacrosse to being the archon (president) of Phi Sigma Sigma, every facet of campus life has been embraced. “Linfield has become my second home,” says Miller. “It’s a place where connections thrive and community flourishes.”

At the core of here unwavering support system stand her proud parents, Stephanie and Bobby Miller, whose guidance and encouragement have been consistent for Grayce and her two younger sisters. “My parents are my rock. Their belief in me fuels my determination, propelling me toward my goals.”

Driven by a passion for helping others, Miller’s academic pursuits in exercise science are intended to pave the way to becoming a pediatric occupational therapist. The tremendous support offered by the Linfield faculty has helped Miller flourish in the classroom.

“Linfield academics have shown me to be kinder to myself when learning hard concepts and better study habits,” she says. “I have also learned that connections matter and I have found many within Linfield academics. The academic community has been one of my favorite parts of my time here at Linfield. Every professor and peer wants to see me succeed.”

Although Miller has found an array of mentors and supporters while at Linfield, there’s been another mentor in Miller’s life whose words of wisdom and outlook on life still linger in her mind. This mentor is Jose Soto, who was Miller’s high school club lacrosse coach.

Says Miller: “In Jose’s eyes, everything has a purpose, whether it’s good or bad. He knows how to make a lesson out of ev erything and it has helped shape me into the student-athlete I am today. He has worked so hard to be where he is today, yet is the humblest person I know.”

His words resonate with her daily.

“Stay hungry, stay motivated, stay humble,” Miller says, reciting an inspiring quote shared by her former club coach.

Teammates and friends such as Gabby Crist offer an additional support network that has helped Miller navigate the highs and lows of both college and athletics.

“Grayce is the type of teammate and friend that everyone wants in their life, someone to celebrate with and to cry with, says Crist. “She’s always there for her teammates and friends. the day that I met Grayce I knew we would be best friends.

“We’ve gone through all of our college life so far together and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. I look up to Grayce a lot as a teammate and a friend. Her work ethic is unmatched. She gets everything done whether that’s in a classroom or on the field.”

Miller explains that “having teammates who understand your journey is invaluable. We lift each other up, pushing one another to reach new heights.”

With another lacrosse season under way, Miller approaches the field with a sense of purpose. “This season, I want to play my game and have fun with it,” she says, emphatically. “It’s about cherishing every moment, embracing the joy of the game.”

Miller says this year she is determined to overcome her internal adversity. Despite her successes in the classroom and on the field, she still has been working through obstacles, specifically with self-doubt.

“I truly found my love for lacrosse in my junior year of high school. Ever since then, I have pushed myself to be the best I can be. With that comes a lot of voices saying I need to be better or that I don’t deserve the things I have. This is something I struggle with both on and off the field.”

During the past year, Miller says, she has “tried to overcome this annoying voice in my head. I started giving positive affirmations to myself whenever I feel a greater stress coming my way. I also give myself a few minutes to reset. After I wipe my brain of the thoughts that try to hold me back, I can resume my day, practice, or whatever it may be with a more positive mindset.”

Through adversity and triumph, setbacks and successes, Grayce Miller’s journey continues to unfold. Each day is a testament to her resilience, fueled by a passion for the game and a relentless pursuit of personal goals. As she laces up her cleats and takes to the field, she does so not just as an athlete, but as an inspiration for all.

ROCK OF AGES

VIEW

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 second year as women’s lacrosse coach at Linfield. She is the ninth women’s lacrosse coach in the program’s 26-year history.

Most recently, 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

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

BY KENDRICK MURPHY

Adominant performance in the season-opening exhibition against Pacific Lutheran might be just what the young 2024 Wildcats lacrosse team needed to get the season started on the right foot.

Linfield finished 2023 with a 3-11 overall record and 3-9 in Northwest Conference play but with most key contributors returning this season, highlighted by Gabby Crist and Gracye Miller. The 2024 ‘Cats will aim to take a step forward in the new year.

“I’m super excited for this season,” head coach Sarah Dalsey said. “This is my second season here at Linfield and we got a small squad. We only lost two seniors from last year and I think in terms of team culture, our freshmen really came in and meshed really well. I’m really excited to see how we do.”

Miller was named first-team All-NWC as a freshman and led the conference with 2.64 caused turnovers per game. The San Diego, Calif., native caused a season-high five turnovers on three occasions and tallied two goals plus an assist.

Crist finished last season as an Honorable Mention All-NWC selection and ranked among the NWC leaders in total goals with 41. She dished out 10 assists for a total of 51 points and was named NWC Offensive Student-Athlete of the Week after scoring eight goals against Puget Sound. Miller and Crist will be two players the ‘Cats will rely on this season.

ON THE ATTACK

To go along with Crist on the attack, the Wildcats bring back Maizri Chandler (14), Erynn McCurdy (13) and Leah Stednick (13) who finished second through fourth in total goals.

“We have so much talent,” Dalsey said. “I’m really excited to see who can step up. Unfortunately, last year we didn’t have Maya Wright she was out with an ACL she’ll be back and I’m expecting big things from her. I’m expecting big things from Savannah (Irwin) as well but I’m really proud of our returning sophomores, it’s really night and day from last year.”

GETTING DEFENSIVE

On the back line with Miller, Mackenzie Kulick contributed 13 goals last season but looks to be one of the leaders of the defense. Kulick finished second on the team in draw controls with 46 and caused 19 turnovers. Kelsey Reinemer and Gracie Pratt come into 2024 with more experience and combined for 14 caused turnovers last year.

Linfield aims to be another disruptive force this season after leading the NWC in caused turnovers in 2023. In goal, Caity Babock and Tenley Hodge split time last season. Hodge looks to slot in as the early starter after holding Pacific Lutheran to one goal in the Wildcats’ exhibition match.

JOINING THE FOLD

Dalsey brought in four new freshmen in her recruiting class. The four new ‘Cats all come from different states and bring different skill sets.

“They’re all from different places,” Dalsey said. “I think that can add a fun flair and they all bring their own kind of take of defense.”

Elizabeth Long, Madison De La Trinidad, Star Pfleiger and Emma Gallegos all have the chance to see healthy amounts of playing time early this season.

SUMMING IT ALL UP

“I really want them to continue to have fun,” Dalsey said. “That’s the goal of booking preseason games, is to get their feet wet into college lacrosse but ultimately it’s about having fun.”

A new cast of players joins an already established roster on the quest to climb to the top of the Northwest Conference

Maya wright | 2

5-3 | Junior | M/A West Linn, Oregon

Savannah irwin | 6 5-7 | Sophomore | O Bend, Oregon

Star pfleiger| 12 5-5 | Freshman | M Schuylerville, New York

Madison de la trinidad | 3 5-8 | Freshman | D West Los Angeles, California

Elizabeth Long | 13

5-0 | Freshman | D Cottage Grove, Minnesota

Mackenzie Kulick | 25 5-5 | Junior | D The Woodlands, Texas

Grayce Miller | 20 5-1 | Sophomore | D San Diego, California

Leah Stednick | 17 5-4 | Junior | O/M Mercer Island, Washington

Kelsey Reinemer | 22 5-8 | Junior | D Redmond, Oregon

Maizri chandler | 28

5-8 | Sophomore | M/A Scappoose, Oregon

Caity babcock | 75 5-5 | Junior | GK Salinas, Califronia

Tristan Zehner Assistant Coach First Year

Gabby crist | 7 5-5 | Sophomore | M Lake Oswego, Oregon

Emma gallegos | 21 5-3 | Freshman | D West Valleyt, Utah

Tenley hodge | 99 5-8 | Sophomore | GK Beaverton, Oregon

Sarah Dalsey Head Coach Second Year

Gracie pratt | 27 5-3 | Sophomore | D Carbondale, Colorado

3

5

WHITWORTH PIRATES

HEAD COACH: Noelle Brouillard (sixth season)

ASSISTANT COACH: Danielle DePace, Addelyn Stouder, Wren Smith

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LINFIELD VERSUS WHITWORTH

Don’t Text and Drive

match breakdown

THE RECORDS

After a 24-3 drubbing of NAIA opponent Eastern Oregon in late February, Linfield has been idle until this week. The Wildcats entered the weekend with a 1-0 record. Whitworth (3-0) also comes into today’s contest with an unbeaten record.

LINFIELD AT A GLANCE

The Wildcats rank second in the NWC in total goals scored with 24. Gabby Crist leads the Wildcats offense with seven while Leah Stednick is right behind with six. Crist also ranks among the NWC leaders in points with seven. Mackenzie Kulick leads the Linfield defense with two caused turnovers and eight draw controls. Goalie Tenley Hodge has seven saves so far on the season.

WHITWORTH AT A GLANCE

Whitworth has scored 60 goals over three games this season. Rebecca Irwin leads the Pirates with 12 goals while Campbell Vincent (9) and Kenison Turner (8) are right behind. Kenzie Hemman leads Whitworth with 17 draw controls with Maddie Jennings leading the way in caused turnovers with six. Sage Fosnock has started all three games for the Pirates and has totaled 17 saves.

SERIES HISTORY

The Wildcats are 7-2 all-time against the Pirates. Linfield averages 16 goals per game against Whitworth. The ‘Cats hold a 3-1 home record against the Pirates and are looking for their first home win since April of 2022.

7 gabby crist

The Linfield Sports Network will again bring fans live action of all home Linfield lacrosse matches during the 2023 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 freshman Johnny Miller will handle play-by-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. He made his broadcast debut recently, calling play-byplay for Linfield baseball games.

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.

Left to right: Anela Madarang-Brandes, Ainsley Medina, Sydney D Paige Pa’aluhi, Journey DePonte, Bella Rodriguez, Araeya Watanabe, Katelin Sindelar, Nora Myre, Marina Erosa, Ryli Kalahiki, Camryn Hirst, Claire Johnson, Cam Coughlin, Lexi Correa.

NORTHWEST CONFERENCE

LACROSSE STANDINGS

Note: Lewis & Clark and Pacific Lutheran are launching new programs and are playing non-conference schedules this spring before joining the NWC in earnest in 2025.

Taste the bounty of the region in unexpected ways.

Now taking reservations for our new Seasons menu celebrating the micro-seasons from our farm. Also duck into our cozy Cellar Bar for farm-inspired cocktails, our six-course tasting menu or a la carte bites.

LINFIELD CHEER

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.

Linfield’s Tayah Kelley dazzles in Georgia, sweeps conference and national awards

Linfield softball pitcher Tayah Kelley was named the season’s first Wilson/NFCA Division III Pitcher of the Week. Kelley’s efforts in the circle helped Linfield to a perfect 4-0 record and ultimately an NFCA Leadoff Classic title in Columbus, Ga.

In all, Linfield defeated three teams rated among the top 20 in the season’s first NFCA Top 25 poll. The Wildcats entered the Leadoff Classic owning the No. 7 ranking, but were at a notable disadvantage having traversed three time zones and without the benefit of having played any games yet this spring. Each of the teams Linfield faced this weekend had already at least four games under their belts.

In three appearances last week, Kelley totaled 12 innings, including two complete games and striking out 16 total batters while surrendering only one earned run. The Myrtle Creek, Ore., native earned Northwest Conference for the 16th time in her storied career earlier this week. This is Kelley’s second recent NFCA award after also being named to the Leadoff Classic All-Tournament team.

Linfield leads the NWC in team ERA at 1.59 with Kelley’s 0.58 ERA also topping the conference leaderboard.

The Wildcats moved up four spots in the NFCA Division III Top 25 Softball Coaches Poll to sit third in the rankings. The ‘Cats return to action this weekend in Spokane when they begin NWC play against the Whitworth Pirates.

PROUD PARTNER OF LINFIELD ATHLETICS

THE TOPCAT CLUB

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