While the Class of 2025 walked across the commencement stage on Sunday, June 1 in McMinnville, nine Wildcat student-athletes were, instead, competing on a national one at the NCAA Division III National Championships in Bloomington, Illinois. Their record-setting season and race for the title ended in a 10-9 Semifinals loss to the eventual national champion, Trine.
To honor these students, Linfield administrators worked with the Illinois Wesleyan athletic department to create a special mini graduation ceremony Monday morning before the team traveled home to Oregon.
Graduate students Tyler Warden and Sophia vanderSommen and seven seniors — Claire Seats, Ashley Sutton, Jacey Leyvas, Tiani Wayton, Brynn Nelson, Kaili Saathoff and Sydney Ries — celebrated their graduation alongside family members, coaches and Linfield staff members.
These nine Wildcats leave an impressive legacy at Linfield, including:
- A combined record of 179-25
- Four Northwest Conference titles
- Three Regional titles
- Three Super Regional trophies
- Two top-three finishes at the NCAA Championship Finals
Special thanks to special event speakers Dave Hansen, a professor emeritus and Wildcat Athletic Hall of Fame member, and Greg Walsh ’73, a member of the 1971 NAIA national champion baseball team, as well as those who helped create this unique moment:
- Scott Brosius ’01, vice president for athletics/athletic director
- Jackson Vaughan ’97, head coach
- Kelly Bird, communications and marketing director for athletics
- Debbie Harmon Ferry ’90, director of alumni and parent engagement
- Members of the Ilinois Wesleyan athletic department
See a full photo gallery of the event at GoLinfieldWildcats.com.
