Featured Senior: Kealaulaikalani Gier

What was your most memorable moment throughout your career at Willamette?

My most memorable moment was getting a new coach during my senior season because it brought me closer to my teammates and my senior class. It allowed for bonds to grow and friendships to strengthen. Having a new coach also changed the momentum and environment of our team in a positive and encouraging manner.

Describe your feelings when you found out the season was canceled.

I felt empty as I couldn't process what was going on. As the day went on, I started to feel more sad and angry with everything that was happening. I still haven't accepted that the season has been canceled.

How have you been handling life in quarantine? Are you home or on campus? What's it like learning online and not having practice?

I am currently back home and I've established a basic routine that allows me to freely do as I please. I react to how I'm feeling emotionally, mentally, and physically by not forcing myself to do something I don't feel like doing. I work out an hour or more a day to stay active and physically healthy. I spend a lot of my time watching Netflix as a way to get me through the day. I didn't realize how much more time I'd have to do whatever I please now that there are no practices.

What has your experience as a Bearcat taught you?

I've learned a greater sense of community within the student-athlete population here at Willamette. Being a Bearcat means more than just representing my team and coaches. It represents a sense of pride and privilege that I have been given to participate in a sport that I have trained for practically my whole life. Being a Bearcat has connected me with other Bearcats who have gone through the same experiences and same situations that I have gone through. It gave me another family to have and give support to.

If you could leave one piece of advice for future Bearcats, what would it be?

Take care of your teammates, those that are older and younger than you. Being apart of a team is the greatest experience and support you can have during your collegiate athletic career. No matter how different you are from your teammates, your sport is what draws you together with them. Don't give up or turn your backs on them. Always support them 100%.

What are your future plans following graduation?

I will be attending graduate school at Hawaii Pacific University where I'll be pursuing my master's in Global Leadership Management and Sustainability.

From their teammates

What was your most memorable moment of Kea?

Olivia Scott: When she jumped literally 10 feet high in the air and levitated at shortstop to catch a line drive in a scrimmage against Pacific.

Kendra Knapp: We hung out for a few hours to kill time before something, talked the whole time and I even showed her my freshman dorm.

Maya Shipway: I will always remember Kea trying to learn the correct words to "Walking in a Winter Wonderland" and it taking her over a month to get the words right, but singing it with confidence every time no matter what.

Alicia Goetz: Conversations in the batting cages.

How has Kea impacted you in your sport or in life?

Olivia Scott: I love to watch Kea's determination and hard work on and off the field. It is incredible. She was one of the busiest people on the team, but never showed her stress at practice. She is always challenging me to work harder and be a better person. Kea is someone that once she is in your life, you don't want her to leave it.

Kendra Knapp: No matter what time it was, Kea was there to support you no matter what it was. She showed me how to be a complete queen on and off the field and what you can do with confidence.

Maya Shipway: Kea is one of my closest and unlikely friends, and she has been an absolute joy to live with and play with.

Alicia Goetz: She has always had my back on and off the field. I can always go to her and she knows just what to say. On the field, she continued to lift my head up and continued to cheer me on as I struggled.

Bailey Hillmick: Kea has been such a supportive person for me on and off the field, always willing to listen, and always willing to stay after practice with me doing extra reps after I had a hard day. I always know that she will be honest and helpful and she has helped shaped me into who I am today.

Kelsey Wong: Kea always tells me things straight up and I love that about her because she is like my older sister. From cooking me meals to bonding over things from home, she has had such a huge impact on me. We got super close and I know she will always have my back. I expect to be at her wedding.

What makes Kea special?

Olivia Scott: Kea is one of those people who instantly makes you happy. She knows how to pick people up when they are having a bad day and always keeps the energy high, regardless of the situation. She will also do anything to help people in any way they need.

Kendra Knapp: One of the most honest people I've ever met, and she took so many things under her belt and did well in all of them.

Maya Shipway: She is unfailingly kind and respectful to everyone no matter what. She is always giving to others before thinking of herself, and I admire her for that every day.

Alicia Goetz: There's just something about Kea's personality and presence that helps you through life whether it's fielding a ground ball, or needing life advice.

Kelsey Wong: She has been looking out for me on and off the field. She took me under her wing my first year and I will forever be grateful for that. I don't know what I would have done without her.

Gianna Marchese: Easily the most down to earth person I have ever met on the softball field. I have been around the game for a very long time and there are not many people who obtain the drive to make their teammates better like Kea has. She is such a strong presence on and off the field, and it breaks my heart that she didn't get to finish her season as she had intended. I know she will do amazing things in life and will continue to make the world better just by being in it. She is someone who intends to succeed and pushes everyone, especially herself, in order to get there. Kea's work ethic and passion is what separates her from the rest of society, and it is what makes her an incredible teammate and friend. I am so blessed to have gotten to know her so well this year and I am honored to have become a better person and player because she was my senior.

Is there anything Kea brought to the program that will have a lasting impact?

Olivia Scott: Kea put her heart and soul into this team. I hope all her hard work and leadership will continue on through the younger players and influence their work ethic.

Kendra Knapp: Her leadership

Alicia Goetz: Her leadership, and desire to remain positive even during the hard times

Gianna Marchese: Setting high expectations for her teammates because she knows their potential to be the best.