By Cassie Sheridan |
As graduation becomes increasingly imminent, so does the departure of some of our favorite Pilots from the field and the court. A new class of student-athletes will be stepping into their well-worn shoes. The class of 2018 will be joining a proud tradition of excellence and eating all their meals at the Cove. Here’s some fresh faces to look for at Weekend On The Bluff and next fall on the field.
Women’s Soccer
The women’s soccer team is graduating eight players this year that have had huge success during their time here. The graduating seniors accumulated two WCC titles, three second round NCAA appearances, and 55 wins in their four years on The Bluff. The six new players joining the Pilots this fall are already a close group and have spent a lot of time getting to know the program. “Everybody on the team has unique and welcoming personalities and I am so excited to be joining the family this fall,” said Madi Dieker, a rising freshman. “Merlo has such a fun atmosphere and it’s an amazing facility. I couldn’t be more excited.” The new players are dynamic, excited, diverse in skill and are joining a young while largely talented team.
Madeline Dieker
F/MF/D
Lawrence, Kan.
Assistant Coach Lisa Chambers on Madeline: “She is a dynamic forward and full of energy, she is quick and fast up top and will a great addition to our family.”
Jess Kennedy
MF
Spokane, Wash.
Chambers on Jess: “She likes to be creative and dynamic in the midfield while also remaining very technical. She fits our style of play extremely well.”
Hannah Griffiths Boston
MF/F
Portland, Ore.
Chambers on Hannah: “She is a local player that is solid and consistent, we have gotten to watch her grow up and she knows our program very well.”
Taylor Luty
GK
Portland, Ore.
Chambers on Taylor: “Another local player Taylor has grown up around our program and has gotten to attend several games already. She is a highly athletic goaltender.”
Kaycie Young
MF/D
Castle Pines, Colo.
Chambers on Kaycie: “We’ve been watching Kaycie for a long time, she is a great distributor and very smart on the ball. She is a very composed player.”
Maddie Seckman
D
Mukilteo, Wash.
Chambers on Maddie: “Maddie is a solid, strong player. She has great energy and toughness and will be a great fit here.”
Men's Soccer
The men’s soccer team is welcoming seven new dynamic players to the field after graduating five players this spring. The team will be a great mix of both younger players and highly experienced senior leaders that should result in a very successful 2014-15 season.
Cristian Arnston
D
Portland, Ore.
Paul Christensen
GK
Woodinville, Wash.
Marco Gonzalez-Yanez
GK
Portland, Ore.
Jacob Hanlin
MF/F
Denver, Colo.
Michael Hobson
D/F
Woodburn, Ore.
Quinn Mello-Bastida
MF
San Jose, Calif.
Kurtis Young
D
Parker, Colo.
Basketball
The men’s basketball team is graduating four people this season, Ryan Nicholas, Korey Thieleke, John Bailey and Tanner Riley. The women’s basketball team has three seniors graduating, Alexis Byrd, Amy Pupa and Elyse Snyder. However, the new people joining the Pilots are Northwest standouts and highly versatile players both posting up and shooting from the field.
6’5’’
Mill Creek, Wash.
Awards: two-time WA Gatorade player of the year, named “Mr. Basketball” by Washington Basketball Coaches Association.
6’8’’
Beaverton, Ore.
Accomplishments: High school won OSAA 3A State Championships, named to Basketball 3A All-State team and 3A Lewis & Clark All-League Player of the Year.
6’1
Yakima, Wash.
Accomplishments: Averaged double-doubles as a junior, leading scorer, was chosen to play in the 2013 Media Classic and annual All-State girls basketball game player.
