LINFIELD UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S TENNIS • SPRING 2024

MEET THE WILDCATS

Samantha Baltz Freshman Rio Racho, New Mexico

Kaitlynn Canubida Freshman Mililani, Hawaii

Sarah foster Senior Corvallis, Oregon

alexis garner Junior Meridian, Idaho

lisa pontl Sophomore Westminster, California

Emily redwood Freshman Los Angeles, California

emma tuttle Junior Ridgefield, Washington

tessa kern Head Coach First Year

WILDCAT SPOTLIGHT

uncharted waters

The first member of her family to attend college, Emma Tuttle has her sights set on becoming a veterinarian

by Marissa Dolson ’24

Humbling beginnings to the threshold of greatness mark the inspiring journey of the Linfield University tennis player Emma Tuttle. The Ridgefield, Washington native is a first-generation college student who is seeking to chase her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Tuttle has been defying the odds and battling doubt and adversity in an effort to demonstrate her drive and determination on and off the court.

During Tuttle’s time at Linfield, she has been able to create change and build upon her resume before submitting her veterinarian application sometime this spring. Tuttle has revived the pre-vet club at Linfield and has become the co-president alongside Shelby Williams.

“There was previously a pre-vet club at the school, but it was not active when I arrived because there were no students that were on the pre-vet track,” she says. “Since we just got the club recognized, we have not done any activities. However, we have plans to set up an educational booth on campus and volunteer at a couple of local clinics this semester.”

Some of her co-president duties include reaching out to local clinics and organizations, coordinating events, and running monthly meetings. Her intended career path stems from her childhood. “We have always owned pets, whether that be dogs, bunnies, hamsters or horses. We always had a furry friend at home.”

Growing up in Ridgefield, Tuttle was fostered by a great support system at home. Her mother, Angie, father Rian, and two younger brothers, Elliot and Clayton, have shaped her into the person that she is today.

“My family has always pushed me to be the best version of myself. I am a first-generation college student but they never made me think that college was an unachievable goal,” she says. “They have done everything to be able to support me in my pursuit of a higher education.”

Tuttle’s family dynamic has also influenced her love for sports and showed her true drive and resilience. She competed in soccer, softball and cross country before narrowing her choice down to tennis. On the court, Tuttle says she’s ready to face adversity head-on and is working towards having a new approach to the game.

“I have dealt with a lot of anxiety with tennis and I am looking to overcome it. Overcoming performance anxiety is a slow process, likely with many setbacks, but it’s one I’ve realized is very important for my growth this season and the next.”

Although coping with performance anxiety is a gradual process, her friends and teammates have a lot of faith in her overcoming this obstacle. Tuttle’s roommate, Maya Wright, describes Tuttle as someone who “continuously inspires and motivates me to be the best student-athlete I can be. She works hard at everything she does, and although she is her own worst critic, she strives to be the best version of herself.”

Additionally, Wright says “ I’m infinitely lucky that I have been able to have Emma on my college journey. Since we are both student-athletes, we always had a walking buddy for the 6 a.m. lift and a cheerleader at our games and matches.”

With the tennis season going full-throttle, Tuttle and her teammates have adapted to various coaching changes in recent years, which she deemed to be challenging.

“A team relies on stability and consistency,” she says. “It’s difficult when those factors are put at risk.”

Tuttle has a tremendous gratitude towards her teammates who have provided her with stability and support throughout the changes within the program. Emulating the upperclassmen on the tennis team has been helpful in keeping a good mindset moving forward.

This season has revealed to her a lot about herself and the qualities that are important to success. Tuttle says that “communication is essential when experiencing some tough obstacles and I think that can be said for many things in life, both on and

Despite facing adversity throughout her college career, Tuttle has enjoyed some of her most memorable experiences from the sport. “One of my favorite memories was winning conference and going to regionals in Texas my freshman year. It was a high level of tennis and a great bonding experience with all of my teammates.”

Throughout her journey, she stands not only as a testament to her perseverance but also to the up-and-coming student-athletes at Linfield. Her unwavering spirit and love of animals has revived the pre-vet club on campus while working towards her dreams and illuminating a path for others. Facing adversity throughout life has shaped Emma Tuttle into an ambitious and driven person, in both school and sports.

Feb.

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April

Fox (2) Noon

May 4 Willamette (2) Noon

May 5 at Willamette (2) 11 a.m.

May 10-12

May 17-19

May 24-25

May 30-June 5

Feb. 10 Pacific Lutheran 1 p.m.

Feb. 23 Eastern Oregon 6 p.m.

March 8 Whitman 6 p.m.

March 10 Whitworth 1 p.m.

March 12 Illinois Wesleyan TBA

March 19 Willamette 5 p.m.

March 23 at Pacific 1 p.m.

April 3 at George Fox 5 p.m.

April 7 at Puget

April

April

April

April

April

April

April

May

Jan. 28 at Oregon TBA Feb. 10 at Lewis & Clark 11 a.m.

Feb. 11 Puget Sound 10 a.m. Feb. 16 vs. Colorado College 10 a.m.

Feb. 18 Cal Lutheran 10 a.m.

Feb. 25 British Columbia 10 a.m.

March 2 Willamette 11 a.m.

March 3 at George Fox 11 a.m.

March 9 Whitworth 11 a.m.

March 10 Whitman 11 a.m.

March 25 at Biola 2 p.m.

March 28 at Pt. Loma Nazarene 2 p.m.

March 31 at Puget Sound 10 a.m.

April 6 at Pacific 11 a.m.

April 13 Lewis & Clark 11 a.m.

April 20-21 at NWC Championships TBA DATE

Jan. 21 vs. Portland State 10 a.m.

Jan. 28 at Oregon (exhibition) TBA

Feb. 10 at Lewis & Clark 11 a.m.

Feb. 16 vs. Colorado College 2 p.m.

Feb. 18 Cal Lutheran 10 a.m.

Feb. 19 UC-Santa Cruz 10 a.m.

March 2 at Willamette 11 a.m.

March 3 George Fox 11 a.m.

March 9 at Whitworth 11 a.m.

March 10 at Whitman 11 a.m.

March 21 Wellesley 3 p.m.

March 27 at Occidental 4 p.m.

March 28 at Point Loma Nazarene 5 p.m.

March 31 Puget Sound 10 a.m.

April 6 Pacific 11 a.m.

April 13 at Lewis & Clark 11 a.m.

April 20-21 at NWC Championships TBA

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