Featured Senior: Hannah Deighton

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

Winning at home against Puget Sound in 2018, breaking the streak since 2011, and also Senior Day 2019

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

I was at a loss for those who didn't get to complete their seasons. I couldn't have imagine that happening during the fall season.

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 am on campus. It is hard to have self-motivation in the spaces you aren't familiar working this much. I wish I had the outlet of practices and working out in spaces like the Sparks Fitness Center.

What has your experience as a Bearcat taught you?

You can do more. We are student-athletes. Student before athlete, but I feel like the hyphen in the middle represents 101 different other extracurriculars we are involved in. I have come to see that I can always push myself to do more, while putting in perspective what is valuable for my own mental health and happiness.

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

This community is invaluable and I have faith in the highs and lows developing you as an individual in ways that other opportunities won't be able to do.

What are your future plans following graduation?

I have ccepted an opportunity as an associate consultant in the Connected Communication division of The Spur Group located in Redmond, Washington.

From their teammates

What was your most memorable moment of Hannah?

Caroline Adams: All the times that she and Rachael Moulton dressed up for Halloween together - classic.

Julia Fecteau: Hannah's header goal against Corban in preseason!

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

Caroline Adams: Hannah is a stud and has always been someone to look up to on the field. Her toughness and leadership are something I strive for every game.

Julia Fecteau: I have learned so much from her both on and off the field. She has pushed me to be a better player and person throughout the time that I have known her. She is someone I know will give me the best advice when I have questions about soccer, school, or life in general.

What makes Hannah special?

Caroline Adams: She is a damn good soccer player, and she's hilarious.

Jackie Gilroy: Hannah enforced communication on the team, and she made an effort to get to know everyone. Hannah was always very positive with me, and she had a way of cheering me up when I was feeling down. She boosted my confidence.

Julia Fecteau: Hannah is one of the most competitive people I know. She is incredibly driven and has a sense of purpose that is hard to come by. She is the type of person you want to have as a teammate and a friend.

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

Julia Fecteau: She has set an example of what it means to be a leader. Her ability to communicate and inspire others is something that we will all continue to include in the future of our program.