LINFIELD UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S LACROSSE VERSUS WILLAMETTE • APRIL 9, 2023

WELCOME TO LINFIELD UNIVERSITY

TODAY’S MATCHUP: WILLAMETTE AT LINFIELD

game operations | event staff

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Dr. Garry Killgore

EVENT MANAGER

Doug Hire

COMMUNICATIONS

Kaho Akau, Logan Clizer

STATISTICS

Emily Hyde

PUBLIC ADDRESS, SCOREBOARD

Jasmine Williams

TIMER

Kira Hawaaboo

FIELD MONITOR

Grant Jackson

VIDEO WEBCASTS

Joe Stuart, Johnny Miller, Joel Nelson

GAME PROGRAM

Kelly Bird, Felip Unker, Kaho Akau, Nathan Herde

caity babcock

WILDCAT SPOTLIGHT

different strokes

Drawing inspiration from a unique set of values, Mackenzie Kulick loves all things colorful, creative and unusual

by marissa dolson ’24

Mackenzie Kulick found her penchant for creativity at a very young age. The Linfield University sophomore never tried to fit into what was considered ‘normal.’ Instead, she embraced her creativity in many ways and has continued to do so as part of her college experience.

“I was the little girl who had parents that emphasized creativity, curiosity and kindness,” she says, matter of factly.

As Kulick was growing up in The Woodlands, Texas, just north of Houston, she began exploring different creative outlets. She never looked up to a particular role model growing up, but rather observed the ways in which artists express themselves in unique ways.

Says Kulick: “I was the kid who purposely broke up pairs of socks so I could mismatch. I was the girl who would stomp around in a princess dress paired with rain boots. I was the kid who you could catch chowing down on the best plastic delicacies, like hot dogs. I never fit a typical mold, so my role models growing up were not necessarily people, but values.”

Her creativity has flourished during her time at Linfield. Her major in marketing and a double minor in journalism and wine studies only pushed her to excel further in creative excellence.

After graduation, Kulick has her plans mapped out, expressing an interest in a career in advertising. “I want to find a job where I can channel my creativity into building different brands and products. I plan to focus my career on the copy of ads and find a way to incorporate podcasting.”

Kulick has already dipped her toes in the water of podcasting.

“I have a podcast called “Factual Non sense” that I started for a class but I’m hoping to continue with the Linfield Podcast Network,” she says. “The campus is always advertising new things to try. I tend to jump right in, which has earned me interviews with employers, an opportunity to enter a media festival and the ability to grow my network of people for the future.”

Kulick says attending Linfield has made her feel special and valued. “What makes Linfield so original are its people and the relationships you forge with them. I came from a high school where I was a number amongst thousands. At Linfield, I am ‘Koolwhip,’ Mackenzie, and Kenzie; all different names and nicknames but they all mean that I am seen as an athlete, student and friend.”

The sense of community at Linfield has helped Kulick develop a second family away from her own in Texas. Nonetheless, she stays in regular contact with her mother, Marie, father Tom, and brother Tanner.

“My family,” she says, “is my biggest support system.”

As spring arrived, Kulick found herself spending more and more time at the lacrosse field with her teammates, friends and coaches. After battling adversity last year in the form of a season-ending injury, she is taking full advantage of her playing opportunities this season.

“I had a memorable first season by rupturing my Achilles during one of the first spring games. The recovery time for repairing a tendon is about a year, so it’s been a while in coming.

I’m ecstatic to be back on the field playing the sport I love.” eammate Grayce Miller admires Kulick’s work ethic, dedication and compassion.

“Mackenzie, better known as ‘Koolwhip’ to me and our teammates, is the most passionate and caring person I know. She is fully committed and loves everything she does. Whether it’s lacrosse, her podcast, or a class she’s interested in, she fully commits herself to doing her best,” says Miller.

“There has never been a day where she doesn’t check in with someone to make sure they are doing alright. She is constantly helping those who are having a rough day or helping those who need a good laugh with a witty joke she has. I always look forward to the conversations and time I get to spend with her.”

Mackenzie Kulick is passionate about many things. Whether it’s her podcast, scoring goals on the lacrosse field or extracurricular activities, she is forever grateful to her family for pushing her to be authentically herself. If you look close enough, you might be able to spot her embracing her inner childhood by wearing mismatched socks around campus.

LINFIELD SPORTS NETWORK

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.

THANK YOU CORPORATE PARTNERS

SARAH DALSEY HEAD COACH

Sarah Dalsey is in her first year as women’s lacrosse coach at Linfield. Prior to arrioving at 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.

MAIA REZOSKI ASSISTANT COACH

Maia Rezoski joins the coaching staff this spring after an decorated playing career at Linfield.

A three-time Northwest Conference allstar and four-year letter winner, she wrapped up her playing career ranking fourth on Linfield’s all-time points and assists lists.

A graduate of Mount Si High School in Washington state, Rezoski lettered three times in lacrosse while serving as team captain and leading her team in draw controls and assists.

She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology in May 2022.

GAME DAY PREVIEW

THE RECORDS

Linfield enters the week at 2-8 overall and 2-6 in Northwest Conference play. Willamette sits in third place in the NWC standings at 7-4 overall with a 5-3 NWC mark.

LINFIELD AT A GLANCE

The Wildcats are back in action after a week off during Spring Break. They’re looking to bounce back from three straight home losses. Gabby Crist’s 34 goals, 41 points and 65 shots all rank in the NWC’s top 10. She leads the team with seven assists. Erynn McCurdy (11) and Maizri Chandler (10) have also notched double digit goals this spring. Grayce Miller has anchored the Linfield defense with 28 ground balls and as many caused turnovers. Caity Babcock has been the most efficient in goal with 49 saves and a 9.93 goals against average.

WILLAMETTE AT A GLANCE

The Bearcats are tackling a three-game week. They hosted Cal Lutheran on Tuesday and Pacific on Saturday before making the short trip to McMinnville to take on the Wildcats on Easter Sunday. Four players have 20 or more goals this season. The group is led by Tati Klenk’s 36 goals and Catie Kawamura’s 28. Lily Bachiochi has racked up 24 goals to go with an NWC-leading 27 assists. Shelby Sawyer is 5-4 in her 10 appearances. Her 80 saves are good for No. 3 in the conference.

THE SERIES

Linfield is 4-3 in the all-time series with Willamette, averaging 13.71 goals per game. The Wildcats won the first three meetings, but the Bearcats have taken three of the last four, including the most recent affair, a 15-10 decision on March 5 in Salem.

7 gabby crist

savannah irwin | 6 5-7 | Freshman | Offense Bend, Oregon

hope mccomish | 13 5-3 | Freshman | Defense Beaverton, Oregon

brooke hatch | 5 5-6 | Freshman | Defense Beaverton, Oregon

joelle TRAN | 15 5-7 | Freshman | Offense San Diego, California

erynn mccurdy | 21 5-1 | Freshman | Offense Eagle Mountain, Utah

maranda tucker | 18 5-7 | Senior | Defense Corvallis, Oregon

grayce miller | 20 5-1 | Freshman | Midfield San Diego, California

mackenzie kulick | 25

5-5 | Sophomore | Defense The Woodlands, Texas

gracie pratt | 27 5-3 | Freshman | Defense Carbondale, Colorado

gabby crist | 7 5-5 | Freshman | Attack Lake Oswego, Oregon

elena kroll | 19 5-2 | Senior | Defense Hood River, Oregon

kelsey reinemer | 22 5-8 | Sophomore | Defense Redmond, Oregon

maizri chandler | 28 5-8 | Freshman | Midfield Scappoose, Oregon

caity babcock | 75 5-5 | Sophomore | Goalkeeper Salinas, California

tenley hodge | 99 5-8 | Freshman | Goalkeeper Beaverton, Oregon

MAYA WRIGHT | 2 5-3 | Sophomore | Midfield West Linn, Oregon

LEAH STEDNICK | 17

5-4 | Sophomore | Offense Mercer Island, Washington

2023 LINFIELD WILDCATS

Back row (l to r): Maya Wright, Tenley Hodge, Kelsey Reinemer, Mackenzie Kulick, Maranda Tucker, Joelle Tran, Maizri Chandler, Brooke Hatch. Front row: Savannah Irwin, Gabby Crist, Elena Kroll, Grayce Miller, Erynn McCurdy, Gracie Pratt, Caity Babcock, Leah Stednick.

LINFIELD WILDCATS

HEAD COACH: Sarah Dalsey (first year)

ASSISTANT COACH: Maia Rezoski

WILLAMETTE BEARCATS

HEAD COACH: Noelle Brouillard (fifth year) ASSISTANT COACHES: Danielle DePace, Wren Smith, Addelyne Stouder