CONNOR KONG
George Fox University 
Men’s Soccer
Kahului, Hawai’i / Maui
Major: Engineering Minor: Mathematics
Connor Kong is a senior on the men’s soccer team at George Fox University, where he has been a steady contributor on the field and a leader within the campus community. In 2024,he earned Second Team All-Northwest Conference honors and was twice named NWCOffensive Player of the Week. Over his four- year career, Connor totaled 11 goals and nine assists and started all 20 games during his senior season, helping lead the Bruins to their best record since 1995.
 
An engineering major with a minor in mathematics, Connor graduated summa cum laude with a 3.930 GPA. He is a four-time NWC Scholar-Athlete and a consistent presence on the Dean’s List. He was named Outstanding Civil Engineer of the Year by the Engineering Department his senior year. His academic work included designing a nail clipper attachmentfor individuals with tremors and contributing to a senior design project for a proposed sanitary sewer lift station to support future development in Newberg’s riverfront area. He also participated in George Fox’s annual Serve Day, assisting with community service efforts across the Portland Metro area.
 
“We couldn’t be more proud of Connor,” said Head Coach Paul Karver. “In his four years, he has become a clear example of what we believe our program can represent. The impact he has had on our program is immense, but most importantly,it is his drive to empower others that has provided a pathway for others to grow and achieve greatness.”
 
 
 

ELLIE RISING

George Fox University
Cross Country / Track & Field
Goldendale,Washington / Goldendale
Major: Kinesiology
Ellie Rising is a senior at George Fox University, competing in both track & field and cross country. A standout in middle-distance events, Ellie is a USTFCCCA Second Team All-American in the outdoor 800m and 1500m, and a three-time indoor All-American in the 800m. She is a three-time NWC Champion in the 800m and a two-time champion in the 1500m, holding program records in the indoor 800m, outdoor 800m, and outdoor 1500m. In cross country, Ellie earned All-West Region honors three times and helped lead the team to its first-ever appearance at the NCAA Cross Country Championships.

Ellie is majoring in kinesiology and holds a 3.815 GPA. She is a four-time USTFCCCA All-Academic honoree and a four-time NWC Scholar-Athlete. Off the track, she has participated in George Fox’s Serve Day for three years, giving back to communities across the Portland Metro area. Ellie was recently accepted into Northern Arizona University’s master’s program in nutrition, joining a highly selective 12-person cohort.

“Ellie is a class act in everything she does,” said Cross Country and Distance Track Coach Mike Wilson. “She puts inhigh-level, high-quality work diligently and consistently. When it comes to her sportsmanship, she’s an absolute rockstar. She makes people around her better, both on and off the track.”
 
 
 
 

JON WESTLAKE

Lewis & Clark College
Men’s Golf (2022-25), Men’s Swimming (2023-24)
Portland, Oregon/ International School of Beaverton
Major: Psychology
Minor: Health Studies
Jon Westlake is a 2025 graduate of Lewis & Clark College, where he competed in bothmen’s golf and swimming. A multi-sport student-athlete, Jon was named the Dan Jones Multi-Sport Athlete of the Year for 2023–24 and earned the Dell Smith Silver Medalist Scholar-Athlete of the Year honor in 2024–25. As a golfer, he helped lead Lewis & Clark to its first 36-hole tournament stroke play win since 1972, posting a 77.58 scoringaverage for the season and earning a spot on the Northwest Conference All-Sportsmanship Team. In the pool, Jon earned Second Team All-NWC honors in the 100-yard breaststroke and contributed to the fastest400 medley relay in program history, while also ranking among the top three all-time in the 200-yard IM and 200-yard breaststroke.

Academically, Jon majored in Psychology with a minor in Health Studies and graduated summa cum laude with a 3.98 GPA. He was inducted into both Phi Beta Kappa and the Psi Chi honor society, and was a two-time College Sports Communicators Academic All-District selection. He also received the Trustee Endowed Scholarship and consistently earned recognition on the Dean’s Honor List.
 
Beyond athletics and academics, Jon served as a team captain for men’s golf, represented Lewis & Clark on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and was a member of the Behavioral Health and Social Psychology research lab.
“Jon exemplifies everything you want in a collegiate student-athlete,” said Head Coach Brad Breier. “He not only grew asa player, but through time management was able to graduate top of his class while helping a young team through their transition to college life. A unanimous captain and leader, everything the program achieves in the future will be in large part due to Jon’s efforts over his time at LC.”

ABBY HAYES

Lewis & Clark College 
Women’s Soccer
San Diego, California / Patrick Henry
Major: Biology
Abby Hayes is a senior on the women’s soccer team at Lewis & Clark College,where she has been a consistent presence on the field and a leader within the program. A three-time Northwest Conference All-Conference selection, Abby was recognized for her play and character with the NWC All-Sportsmanship Team as asophomore. She was named Team Rookie of the Year in her first season, followed by Team MVP as a sophomore, and Team Defensive Player of the Year in both her junior and senior seasons.
 
Off the field, Abby has excelled academically as a biology major with a 3.93 GPA. She earned a spot on the Dean’s Listeach year and was twice named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. In addition to her coursework, Abby served as a biology teaching assistant and as a tutor through the Student Academic Affairs Board (SAAB) from her sophomore through senior years.

“Abby Hayes exemplifies what it means to be a student-athlete. As a dedicated captain of the women’s soccer team, she led with integrity, supported her teammates, and consistently displayed outstanding sportsmanship. Her commitment onthe field was matched by her excellence in the classroom, earning a high GPA, multiple all- conference honors, and admission to graduate school. Abby is leaving behind a lasting legacy at Lewis & Clark—a standard of leadership, character, and resilience that will inspire and guide the classes to come.”
 
 
 
 

KAILI SAATHOFF

Linfield University 
Softball
Philomath, Ore. / Philomath 
Major:Mathematics and Physics
Kaili Saathoff is a senior on the Linfield University softball team who has excelled in the classroom and on the field. In 2025, she started all 53 games at first base, hitting .392 with seven home runs, 15 stolen bases, 47 RBI, and 64 runs scored. Shewas named a 2024 NFCA All-American and earned MVP honors at the 2025 McMinnville Super Regional.
 
Academically, Kaili earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Physics, graduating with a 4.00 GPA. She is a three-time recipient of the NCAA Elite 90 Award for softball and a two-time CSC Academic All- American. In 2024, shewas named the CSC Academic All-American of the Year. She also served as a math and physics tutor, a physics teaching assistant, and was active in the EPIC Math Club and Residence Hall Association.

Kaili was Linfield’s 2025 nominee for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award. “Kaili is a once-in-a-generation student-athlete whose combination of athletic skills, academic prowess, and campus and community service stands out above all others. In 36 years of promoting Linfield teams and athletes, I can think of no one who compiled a more complete,balanced and impressive ledger of all-around accomplishment than Kaili Saathoff.” – Kelly Bird, Linfield Sports Communications and Marketing Director.
 
 
 

CONNER DOOLEY

Linfield University
Track & Field, Cross Country
Anderson, California / Foothill
Major: Physics andMathematics
 
 
Conner Dooley is a senior at Linfield University competing in cross country andtrack & field. He is a four-year letter winner in both sports and has consistently contributed to his team throughout his career. He has competed at conference and regional meets each season.
 
Conner is majoring in Physics and Mathematics. He has completed internships with Dr. Crosser of Graphene Biosensors (2022, 2023) and Dr. Dey in Medical Physics (2024). He was involved in academic research and projects each summer while balancing his athletic responsibilities.

Outside the classroom and competition, Conner participated in Linfield’s “Race to Space” event, finishing first two years in a row.

MARA MURPHY

Pacific University (Ore.) 
Women’s Volleyball
South Jordan, Utah / West High School
Major:Psychology
Mara Murphy is a senior at Pacific University and a key member of the women’s volleyball team. She earned Second Team All-Northwest Conference honors this season after leading the conference in kills per set (3.79) and finishing second in total kills with 326. Over her career, Mara set a new all-time record at Pacific with1,228 career kills, making her one of the most successful players in program history.

Off the court, Mara is just as committed. She is majoring in psychology and holds a 3.898 GPA. In addition to her studies and athletics, she serves as a representative on Pacific’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), where she helps give student-athletes a voice on campus.

“Mara has high expectations for herself and her teammates,” said Head Coach Rachel Renville. “Every practice, every game, Mara shows up ready to compete and encourages those around her to do the same. What makes Mara stand out is the fact she does this both on the court and in the classroom. Her drive to be her best has helped her achieve incredible things as an undergrad and I know she will continue that into her graduate program."
 
 
 

LUCAS WINKLER

Pacific University (Ore.)
Men’s Basketball
Portland, Oregon /Grant
Major: Biology
Lucas Winkler is a senior on the men’s basketball team at Pacific University. He earned Second Team All-Northwest Conference honors this season after leading theconference in total steals (73) and steals per game (2.9), and finishing second in assists (139) and assists per game (5.6). Over his career, he became the first player in program history to reach 1,000 career points, 500 rebounds, and 500 assists. He also set Pacific’s all-time records for assists (572) and steals (275), contributing across the board throughout his time on the court.

Lucas is majoring in biology and holds a 3.94 GPA. He has been a four-year member of Pacific’s Student- Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), helping represent student-athletes and support campus-wide involvement. In addition to his academic and athletic commitments, Luke has been active in the community, including tutoring, working basketball camps, and volunteering at the Verboort Sausage Festival.
 

“Luke Winkler epitomizes leadership on and off the court, in the classroom, and within our community,” said Head Coach Justin Lunt. “His remarkable achievements, including becoming a 1,000-point scorer and setting Pacific's all-time assist and steal records, are matched by his outstanding academic record—a 3.9 GPA that reflects his relentless drive anddiscipline. In my 20+ years coaching college basketball, Luke is truly one of the best I’ve ever had the honor to work with.”
 
 
 
 

KAYDEN HULQUIST

Pacific Lutheran University 
Women’s Soccer
Boise, Idaho / Boise High School
Major: Chemistry
Kayden Hulquist is a senior on the women’s soccer team at Pacific Lutheran Universityand has been a key part of the program’s success over the past four years. She appeared in 86 games for the Lutes, helping lead the team to four Northwest Conference championships. This past fall, Kayden earned First Team All-NWC and Third Team All-Region honors, and was previously named Honorable Mention All-NWC in 2023. In the 2024 season, she scored seven goals and tallied 12 assists, making a strong impacton the field through her consistent play and leadership.

In the classroom, Kayden has excelled as a chemistry major with a perfect 4.0 GPA. She is a member of Chi Alpha Sigma, the national student-athlete honor society, and has consistently earned Dean’s List recognition. Outside of academics and athletics, Kayden helped found the Pacific Lutheran University chapter of The Hidden Opponent, astudent-athlete mental health club. She led campus events and panels aimed at supporting mental wellness among her peers and has been a visible advocate for student-athlete well-being.
 
“Kayden Hulquist is an amazing example for this award,” said Head Coach Seth Spidahl. “A 4.0 student, standout playerfor the Fall 2024 season, an amazing leader, and just an all-around awesome person. She truly exemplifies what it meansto be a student-athlete in every way on and off the field. I couldn't have asked for a higher character person to be a part of our program.

 
 

GRADY LEMMA

Pacific Lutheran University 
Men’s Track and Field
Walla Walla, Washington / Walla Walla
Major: Biology
Grady Lemma is a senior on the men’s track and field team at Pacific Lutheran University. A three-time Northwest Conference Champion and 10-time All-Conference selection, Grady has excelled in multiple events throughout his career. He won the 400-meter hurdles at the 2022 conference meet and swept both the 110-meter and 400-meter hurdles titles in 2024. He also earned All-Conference honors in the decathlon and qualified for the national indoor meet in the heptathlon. His leadership and competitive spirit made him a standout on the track and a three-time team captain for the Lutes.
 
Grady has matched his athletic success with outstanding academic achievement. He is majoring in biology with a 4.00GPA and is a member of Chi Alpha Sigma and the Dean’s List. Off the track, Grady serves as a Student- Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) representative for the track and field program and has given back to the community as a youth clinic counselor.

“Grady embodies exactly what it means to be a scholar-athlete. His commitment to his own personal growth anddevelopment is only second to his care for the betterment of his teammates and those he shares competition with. Grady has always led with passion and a love of competition, which is why he was a three-time team captain and someone who earned immediate respect from his coaches, teammates, and peers on the track.”

 

KAILA BONAWITZ

University of Puget Sound 
Women’s Golf
Vancouver, Washington / Mountain View High School
Major:Business Administration, Communication Studies
 
Kaila Bonawitz is a senior on the women’s golf team at the University of Puget Sound.Known for her steady presence and competitive spirit, Kaila has been a key contributor on the course while also taking on leadership roles across campus.
 
She is double majoring in Business Administration and Communication Studies andholds a 3.985 GPA. A consistent Dean’s List honoree, Kaila has balanced her academic success with active involvement in campus life, including serving on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and other student organizations.

“Kaila Bonawitz represents the very best of what it means to be a Division III scholar-athlete,” coach Conner Robbinsshared. “Her 3.98 GPA is matched only by her leadership on campus and her resilience as a competitor on the golf course. She approaches everything she does with integrity, focus, and a commitment to excellence.”
 
 

JASON ROWE

University of Puget Sound 
Men’s Tennis
Los Altos, California / Pinewood School
Major: Economics and Business Administration
Jason Rowe is a sophomore on the men’s tennis team at the University of Puget Sound. As the team’s top singles and doubles player, he has made a strong impact early in his career, earning Northwest Conference Rookie of the Year honors and setting a standardof consistency and competitiveness for Logger Tennis.
 
Off the court, Jason is majoring in Business and maintains a 3.895 GPA. He has earned Dean’s List honors while also staying active in campus life, demonstrating a strong commitment to both academic and personal growth.

“Jason Rowe embodies the spirit of the Division III scholar-athlete,” said head coach Matthew Simons. “From earning NWC Rookie of the Year honors to competing as our top singles and doubles player, Jason sets the tone for Logger Tennis with his grit, consistency, and leadership. Off the court, his 3.9 GPA in Business and deep campus involvement reflect a drive for excellence in every part of his life. He’s a model of balance, resilience, and humility, and a deserving nominee for this recognition.”

KORIN BAKER

Whitman College 
Women’sBasketball
Wauconda, Washington / Curlew
Major: Brain, Behavior and Cognition
Korin Baker is a senior on the women’s basketball team at Whitman College, where she has had a standout career. She is the first three-time Northwest Conference Player of the Year in program history and finishes her time at Whitman as the all-time leader in scoring, rebounding, and field goal percentage. This season, Korin ledthe NWC in scoring and field goal percentage, and she also led all of NCAA Division III in field goal percentage, consistently drawing double and triple teams from opponents throughout her final two seasons.
 
In the classroom, Korin is majoring in Brain, Behavior, and Cognition and holds a 3.608 GPA. She earned Whitman Academic Distinction in seven of her ten semesters, reflecting her strong academic effort alongside her athletic success.

“In 24 years of coaching at Whitman, I have coached many talented, intelligent and determined young women. What sets Korin apart as a person, student and competitor was commitment to work hard each and every day. She never missed a workout, never made excuses, and always brought genuine joy and positive energy to the team. Leadership for Korin is byexample. And she held her teammates accountable by her own commitment to continuous improvement. Again, what sets Korin apart is her ability to bring these qualities and put them into action EVERY DAY in every setting.
For our opponents, stopping Korin was always key to their game plans. She faced physical play and double and sometimes triple teams almost every game, especially in her last two seasons. Many players would have reacted negatively to constantly being held or pushed, but Korin played through it all. At times she was frustrated; however, she never let her emotions show. It was never about her.
Korin has re-written our record books and finished her career as our all-time leading scorer and rebounder. She is also thefirst player in my time at Whitman to be named the NWC Player of the Year in women's basketball. She has represented our program, Whitman College and the Northwest Conference at the highest level.”
— Michelle Ferenz, Head Coach

NATE KORAHAIS

Whitman College 
Baseball
Seattle, Washington / Garfield
Major:Sociology
Minor: Indigeneity, Race, and Ethic Studies
Nate Korahais is a senior on the baseball team at Whitman College, where he has made a lasting impact as a student-athlete, leader, and campus contributor. A four-year starter and the team’s center fielder, Nate capped off his senior season bybatting .315 with 25 RBIs and 13 stolen bases. He was known for his consistency and for his leadership as a team captain. In recognition of his athletic accomplishments, leadership, and contributions to the Whitman community, Nate was awarded the prestigious R.V. Borleske Award—Whitman’s highest honor for a male student-athlete.
 
Nate is majoring in Sociology with a minor in Indigeneity, Race, and Ethnic Studies, holding a 3.737 GPA. He earnedAcademic Distinction in six of seven semesters, was named an All-NWC Scholar-Athlete, and received undergraduate honors in two of his four years. In addition to his academic success, Nate worked as a student employee for event/game management and the BFFC facility, served as a research assistant in the sociology department, and interned with the Blue Mountain Action Council to support the local community.
 
Described as “the busiest student on campus,” Nate has been a central figure in student life and campus leadership. Hewas an active leader in SVP (Student Voices for Prevention), SAAC, and ACE (Athletes for Consent Education), playing a key role in growing these groups and their impact. He also mentored youth through Friends of Children of Walla Walla.
 
“Nate has been exemplary as a leader,” said Head Coach Brian Kitamura. “He embodies our core values— respect,integrity, commitment, and excellence—in all he does and was very much a servant leader as a team captain, SAAC representative, and Athletes for Consent Education (ACE) leader. His competitive spirit combined with his desire to support others first on the field, in the classroom, and in our community was remarkable.”

CASSIDY FRANKLIN

Whitworth University 
Women’s Volleyball
Meridian, Idaho / Mountain View
Major: English Literature 
Minor: Theology
Cassidy Franklin is a senior middle blocker on the Whitworth University women’s volleyball team who has made a lasting impact through her play, leadership, and character. In 2024, she earned First Team All-Northwest Conference honors afterleading the league in hitting percentage (.344) and finishing second in blocks per set (1.08). She also averaged 1.80 kills per set in conference play and was named NWC Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week on September 30. Cassidy began her career with a standout freshman season, earning First Team All-NWC and NWC Freshmanof the Year honors. Over her four years, she helped guide the team to two NWC championships and two undefeated conference seasons.
 
Cassidy majored in English Literature with a minor in Theology, graduating with a 3.98 GPA. Her academic achievements include the English Department Achievement Award, the Outstanding Honors Student Junior Award, and multiple writing honors such as the Enhanced Talent Writing Award and Multi-Modal Writing Composition Award. She received a summerinternship grant through the Professions in English program and was named to the 2024 CSC Academic All-District Team, as well as the Whitworth Dean’s List.
 
Off the court, Cassidy served on the SAAC Executive Board during the 2023–24 academic year and was voted Whitworth’s 2024 Humanitarian of the Year by her fellow student-athletes. She earned the honor for her advocacy andfundraising efforts to support a Palestinian friend in continuing their education at Whitworth, and for raising awareness around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Earlier in her college career, she volunteered in youth ministry and worked with high school FCA students in the Spokane area.
 
“Cassidy Franklin is one-of-a-kind. She carries herself with humility and has a servant-leadership approach in all she does. She was an outstanding player who led our team to two NWC championships and two undefeated conferenceseasons. She was an integral part of our team’s success and culture growth through her play and her strong character. It was an honor to coach her!” — Head Coach Kati Bodecker

ZACHARY BROOKS

Whitworth University 
Football
Davis, California / Davis
Major: English
Minor: Theology, Psychology
Zachary Brooks is a senior linebacker on the Whitworth University football team who has excelled in every aspect of the student-athlete experience. A two-time team captain and four-year letter winner, Zach was named First Team All-Northwest Conference in back-to-back seasons. In 2024, he recorded 129 total tackles—setting a new program record, leading the NWC, and ranking second in all of NCAADivision III. He helped lead Whitworth to its first-ever consecutive 10-win seasons and NCAA Division III playoff appearances. His efforts earned him the Dennis Spurlock Award, the highest honor presented by Whitworth Athletics.
 
Zach majored in English with minors in Theology and Psychology, graduating summa cum laude with a 3.98 GPA. Hewas named a CSC Academic All-American Second Team selection in 2024 and also earned Academic All-District honors. His academic accolades include the Outstanding Senior Thesis Presentation from the Psychology Department and the Award for Excellent Research in the Humanities and Social Sciences from the George F. Whitworth Honors Program.
Off the field, Zach was a three-year member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, serving as Male Co- President for two years. He led the campus-wide “Trick or Treat so Kids Can Eat” canned food drive for three consecutive years and served as a small group leader and Spiritual Leadership Committee member within the football program. Zach alsoworked as a writing consultant in the Composition Commons and was a member of Sigma Tau Delta, the National English Honor Society.
 
“Zach Brooks was an exceptional football player and leader for our team. However, he is an even better human being. He is the type of young man that you would pray your daughter would marry. Extremely high character and wise beyond his years. Zach was one of the finest young men I have had the privilege of coaching in the last 30 years.” — Head Coach Rod Sandberg

KATHERINE THORNTON

Willamette University
Women’s Track & Field
Reno, Nevada / Reno
Major: Science Communication
Katherine Thornton is a senior on the women’s track & field team at Willamette University, where she has made her mark both on and off the track. This season, Kat broke a 17-year-old school record in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of14.50 seconds, currently ranking 36th in NCAA Division III. She is also ranked 51st nationally in the 400- meter hurdles. Her performances have capped an impressive athletic career marked by steady growth, leadership, and competitive success.
 
Kat is majoring in Science Communication and was inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, the National College Student-Athlete Honor Society, in 2023. In 2025, she received the Jean Williams Award, presented to the Willamette femalestudent-athlete who best demonstrates leadership, scholarship, and athleticism. Beyond her academic and athletic achievements, Kat is deeply involved in campus and community life. She serves as co- president of “Beyond TheseWalls,” is a board member for the local nonprofit “Re-Group,” and participates in the Conversation Project, where she has helped lead campus-wide discussions around radical belonging.
 
“Kat has always been a great team person,” said Head Coach Matt McGuirk. “She finds as much joy in the success of others as she does in her own substantial successes. What makes her truly special is that that is not limited to just her ownteammates.” Willamette Athletic Director Rob Passage added, “Kat's name will forever be in our track and field record books, but her impact on our community may have an even longer-lasting impact. More than an athlete, she is an outstanding human being and a positive force in the world.”

KRISNA LAFRANCE

Willamette University 
Men’s Soccer
Seattle, Washington / Ballard
Major:Exercise and Health Science
Krisna LaFrance is a senior on the men’s soccer team at Willamette University and a standout in the classroom, on the field, and within the campus community. In 2024, he earned First Team All- Conference honors and led the team with 10 goals, playing a key role in the Bearcats’ success during his seniorseason. His leadership, both in matches and in training, helped elevate the performance and cohesion of the team.
 
An Exercise and Health Science major with a 3.89 GPA, Krisna graduated magna cum laude and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and Chi Alpha Sigma. He is a three-time Academic All-District honoree and the recipient of multipleacademic awards, including the 2025 JH Booth Award, the Senior Scholar-Athlete Award, and the Raymond F. Kenitzer, Sr. Exercise and Health Science Scholar Award.
 
Krisna was also deeply involved on campus. He served as the head human anatomy teaching assistant and received the Human Anatomy Peer Tutor Award in 2024. He was a member of the Exercise and Health Science Executive Board from2022–2025, helped coordinate team strength training programs, and worked in the Sparks Athletic Center.
 
“Krisna was an incredible leader on and off the field for our team,” said Head Coach Matt Corti-Young. “His work ethic, preparation, and communication were all outstanding. He will be missed!”.