Featured Senior: Niki Kates

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

There are really too many to count, but I think two that come to mind are from my senior Northwest Conference meet this February. The first is when I touched the wall after my 200 I.M. and realized I had broken the record, and it was such a relief to see years of hard work paying off. I never thought I would come close to that (or any) record my first year, so that swim meant a lot to me. I could also never forget finishing my leg of the 4 x 100 freestyle relay which was the last race of my college career. I got out and hugged my relay team and we were all a little choked up. My heart felt so full and standing at the exact end of a 16-year competitive swim career was a beautiful, surreal feeling.

Describe your feelings when you found out the athletic events were canceled for the remainder of the year.

When I first found out, I felt a deep sense of heartbreak for my fellow seniors in spring sports who lost their last seasons. I felt very lucky to have finished my season, but knowing how much I had riding on my senior year, I could only imagine the pain of those who never got to see it through to the end. I still feel that sorrow for them, but I hope they are proud of all the work they did leading up to that point. I am very proud of all of them.

How have you been handling life in quarantine? Are you home or on campus? What's it like learning online and not being around your teammates?

I have been adjusting fairly well. I am living in my house at Salem where I am lucky enough to live with a few of my teammates and next door to a few more. We have been joining each other to work out, watch tv, play board games, and a lot of Super Mario Bros. Almost poetically, my teammates are the ones who have really gotten me through this time with their love, support, and positive attitudes.

What has your experience as a Bearcat taught you?

I have learned so much as a Bearcat, but the most valuable thing I learned was to trust myself and take the leap. When I first came to college, I always entered my swim races expecting that I was incapable of certain times, that I couldn't handle the pain. Unsurprisingly, this was also my approach to many other things in life. However, my coaches and teammates taught me that believing in your own limitations is what makes them true. I let go of my inhibitions and decided to just go for it in everything I did: swimming, school, volunteering, etc. When I stopped putting ceilings on my performance in the pool, the rest of my life followed suit.

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

Do everything in love. It's kind of cheesy, but you can bring so much energy, positivity, and productivity to the things you do if you're coming from a good place. Social justice, athletics, friendships, all of it. Find the thing you love in whatever you do, and think of it often. It's okay for your interests to change -- mine certainly did -- but if you follow what makes you happy and/or content, you will have a much more fulfilling experience than if you are driven by building your resume, anger, peer/family expectations, etc.

What are your future plans following graduation?

I am going to be a Coro Fellow in San Francisco where I will work with city level government and nonprofits to gain some experience in civil service.

From their teammates

What was your most memorable moment of Niki?

Min Wei: Niki was my overnight host when I first visited Willamette, and she was so nice and welcoming. Loved her ever since!

Surya Lee: One of my favorite memories of Niki was a small moment during a meet cool-down, and Niki, Claire Alongi and I were arguing about something, and she turns to us and just starts tickling the two of us (an oldest move, I might add). I feel like she was pure, goofy Niki in that moment, and I will always remember that.

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

Min Wei: Niki was always so cheerful, no matter what a day she had. She will always make your day with her positivity and smile!

Surya Lee: Niki has been an incredible mentor and friend, in and out of the pool. Her hard work sets an example for all of us. I do not cry in the middle of Goudy to just anyone.

Britt Shunn-Mitchell: Niki's impact on the swim team starts with her records but will continue to be felt with the out-of-season commitment she would show to training. Niki was someone who would make sure she was checking in on teammates to make sure they were training. as well as to create opportunities for teammates to stay active with the resources available.

What makes Niki special?

Min Wei: Niki has always been impacting our lives whether it's in the pool, or in academics. She brightens up everybody's day just by some few positive talks and a smile on her face. She never fails to keep challenging in her own field of studies, and tries to keep up with her swimming career as well. She is a great role model that we look up to, and she will always surprise us with what she'll do, which is amazing!

Surya Lee: Her initiative. Niki has a drive that you do not find every day. If something needs to be done, she gets it done one way or another.

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

Min Wei: Niki is a great leader, we will definitely miss having her as one of our captains, guiding us in and out of the pool. She is also a great swimmer, and we will absolutely miss her smiles and encouragement when we're having tough sets.

Surya Lee: I think we will all remember Niki's steadfast leadership and her wise soul. She has poured her heart into this team and continually sets an example for how to carry one's self gracefully and laughing tearfully. Thank you Niki, we love you. Also the 200 I.M. record, baby!

Britt Shunn-Mitchell: Niki has been a women's team captain for two years as well as an active member of the greater Willamette community. Niki has definitely brought a lot of participation to the team whether it was through her work on the events board, with Service Saturdays or the club she started on campus. This has definitely made a mark on the team by creating avenues for swimmers to participate in other campus activities and will continue impacting the team and the greater community.