Featured Senior: Hope Duenas

Describe your feelings when you found out the season was canceled

Heartbroken. So many emotions ran through me. It's difficult to explain and you will never know what it's like unless you're in this position. I was preparing myself for my track career to end, and everyday I walked into the stadium I knew was a day closer to my season being over. I just anticipated that the end would be in May, not in March. I understand that life is bigger than track and field, but it's hard to see past the loss of my sport when I gave so much it. My time, my mind, my body. I'll never know if I had what it takes to be a three-time conference champ, a National Champion, to break our school discus record, or to break the NWC meet record. There were so many things on the line this season.

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

It's interesting having so much time on my hands, and situations like these make me grateful for being an athlete. Being quarantined and safe at home here in Salem can wear on you, but the discipline that sports taught me helps me to maintain a day-to-day routine. I'm grateful for professors like Cooper Battle, who make the transition to online learning manageable. It's not so bad going to class in your PJs. :)

What has your experience as a Bearcat taught you?

So many things; but most importantly, it taught me to keep pushing.

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

Don't take it for granted. Stop and reflect every once in a while and realize the opportunities you have. Don't let your decisions reflect your fears but instead your dreams.

What are your future plans following graduation?

I will be serving in the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone, West Africa. I will be using my degree in Biology to teach sciences in secondary education. After my 27-month service in Africa I hope to attend nursing school to become an RN.

From their teammates

What was your most memorable moment of Hope?

Desiree Winslow: Rooming with her at our indoor track meet, I got to know her better -- that she is a very accepting person, as well as fun -- she is very funny and open.

Leanne Machado: Hope and I were on a fun jump rope relay race, and she was cheering me on the whole time and it was really fun.

Samantha Waters: Bearcat Days, the first time I had ever met Hope, she was already playful and welcoming. She told me I didn't have to introduce myself because she already stalked all my social media.

Emma Blackburn: On Valentine's Day, we traveled for a track meet this year to Boise and we had Olive Garden for dinner. Hope and a few other team members came over to my and my roommates' room, and we all ate together and told stories. It was so much fun.

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

Desiree Winslow: She was a SAAC rep with me. She helped guide me through it and communicated with me respectfully, and also helped me build up my confidence in it.

Leanne Machado: Hope always pushed and motivated us. She made our first season great, and I am forever grateful for being able to lift and throw and compete in a meet with her. I'm gonna miss her these next seasons, but I will keep working hard and thinking of her.

Samantha Waters: Hope makes the team a family. It will not be the same without her. Her bear hugs and her constant support for me as a freshman made starting on the team much less intimidating.

Emma Blackburn: I had a class with Hope my freshman year and we did a big group project together. She is so smart and organized and a great leader, and is someone I feel like I will always look up to.

What makes Hope special?

Desiree Winslow: She is an amazing thrower who is committed and determined to doing better.

Leanne Machado: She's always so friendly, and funny, and cracks jokes and makes us laugh, and makes us all come together. I'll miss her!

Samantha Waters: Hope is a very special individual. Her heart is so kind she makes everyone feel wanted and welcome, no matter their situation. She's extremely understanding and by far the most influential role model I have at Willamette. I will forever be grateful for her mentoring and friendship.

Emma Blackburn: Hope is so genuinely sweet to everyone and is so excited to say hi when she runs into her friends/teammates. She is a great leader and role model.

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

Samantha Waters: Her integrity and tenacity will live on. At this point, we have learned from her to do your best, even when nobody is watching. Those of us who are first-years will absolutely pass this on to the upcoming first-years to have the same impact that she has.

Emma Blackburn: Bringing the team together and creating a little bit of a bond between different groups on the team (throwers, runners, etc.) because she is so kind and inclusive.