Featured Senior: Lauren Stiles

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

I will never forget standing next to Jennifer Lane during our senior celebration after sweeping Pacific Lutheran. It was even more special that the last play started from my pass and ended with Jen, who absolutely destroyed the ball (for a kill). Jen and I have been inseparable since our first year, so to stand with her and look up at everyone who has supported us over the years -- our families, roommates, past teammates, classmates, professors, and student-athletes -- was indescribable.

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

I was devastated. My roommate plays a spring sport and I know how hard she and all of the other spring athletes had been working for this season. To see that get taken away from them broke my heart, especially for my fellow seniors. We know the big things you all would have done this 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?

Learning online is hard, even more difficult without a community that pushes you in academics the same way they do in athletics. I'm at home and super close with my siblings, which is a huge blessing. I miss my teammates so much and I'm bummed that I couldn't drop in on spring practices to watch them ball out, but I'll be close next year so they're stuck with me.

What has your experience as a Bearcat taught you?

As a bearcat, I learned the importance of being surrounded by a good community. At Willamette, I'm blessed that it's not hard to find. As I start the rest of my life, I want to work to build a community like the one Willamette provided.

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

Take advantage of everything Willamette has to offer. Go bug the trainers. Make your coach buy the team milkshakes. Invite your professors to games and, if they can hang, practices. Wear costumes when supporting other teams. Leave it all on the court. Show up for your friends. And most importantly, buy spikeball for spring in Oregon.

What are your future plans following graduation?

I'll be attending University of Oregon next year to work towards my master's in industrial engineering with an emphasis in optical physics.

From their teammates

What was your most memorable moment of Lauren?

Shyla Sato: When she would sing and dance in the locker room before games and practices.

Steele Jasa: The most memorable moment I have with Lolo is when we were in our last game of the season against Pacific on their senior night. We were in the fifth set and I was serving, and I had just served an ace ... then the other team called a time out and as I was running into the huddle, she gave me the biggest sweetest hug. She made me feel so supported, and I think that sums her up as a teammate who is extremely supportive and really is everyone's biggest fan ... and makes sure you know it!!

Carmen Camacho-Platas: The day we arrived on campus to start practices, I was extremely nervous to meet everyone. I couldn't find the meeting spot so I was getting ever more nervous. Finally, after talking on the phone with Lauren, I found the spot. When I got there, she immediately rushed over to me with a big smile and an even bigger hug. It made me feel so much better.

Lexi Martin: The first time she got to go back on the court after her foot injury, she was so hyped and everyone on the court played with a new purpose and passion. She fired everyone up out there.

Brooke Lohuis: Beating Pacific on their senior night

Kyana Benjamin: There are too many fun memories with her to pick one.

Emma Porter: Rooming with her in Colorado Springs

Jessica Nash: Getting hyped and cheering with her during games. Nothing was better than making the most of being on the sideline with her for most of the season because of her injury. We came up with so many different cheers, and we could tell all the other schools we played were scared of us because of our cheers.

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

Shyla Sato: When she played with me she made me feel comfortable and confident. She would always encourage everyone on the team and push them to become better players.

Steele Jasa: Lo will always be one of my favorite people I have ever played with, and I think so many people can say the same about her. She brings an energy unlike anyone I have ever played with, and I wish we could have had more years to play together. She truly is irreplaceable!!

Carmen Camacho-Platas: Lauren is a motivator. It's impossible to feel sad around her. She's always laughing, smiling, or joking around. Her presence alone reduces our nerves and self-criticisms, making the volleyball court an even friendlier space. She doesn't have bad/off days where her mood is lower than usual. She was always able to provide an unwavering flow of energy to our team.

Lexi Martin: She has not only supported me through the hard times, but she believed in me when no one did and she was always there for me to talk to. She helped me shake off my mistakes and being in my head, which has been huge for me.

Brooke Lohuis: I have gained a lifetime best friend.

Kela Iwata: Lolo has been someone who I have looked up to from the moment that I stepped foot on campus. She welcomed me with open arms and took me in as her mentee. From there, she has shown me how to be a good teammate, work hard, and most importantly, how to be an amazing friend.

Kyana Benjamin: Lolo was always the emotional stability the team need. During games, practices, and in life, Lolo was there to lift everyone's spirits. Through any and all challenges, she was there as a constant source of joy.

Emma Porter: She's super energetic and always positive. Her energy is one of a kind.

Jessica Nash: She made me more positive and happy when I played the sport I love because she reminded me it's not all about myself.

What makes Lauren special?

Shyla Sato: She is extremely funny and is always so energetic that she is fun to be around.

Carmen Camacho-Platas: I don't know a single person who dislikes Lauren. She is loved by so many, and for good reason! She has many supportive communities: the team, her family, her friends, the Physics Department, etc. She transcends any boundaries between people through her well-rounded interests and her inviting personality.

Lexi Martin: Her goofiness and energy. She was always the loudest and most dedicated to hype up the team.

Brooke Lohuis: She always knows how to make me smile and cheer me up.

Kela Iwata: She's able to make anyone feel better by just being around her and her contagious laughter!!

Kyana Benjamin: Her heart. Lolo brings such joy, resilience, and camaraderie to everything she does in her life.

Natalie Klotz: Lolo makes people feel heard, valued, and loved like no one else can. She is the ultimate hype man, and makes sure every single person has a smile on their face and knows their importance.

Emma Porter: Her smile and quirkiness.

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

Shyla Sato: Definitely her positive attitude and cheers will always be remembered. She was always so supportive of us as a team.

Steele Jasa: I think both Lolo and Jennifer Lane have had a huge lasting impact for the program, showing us all how hard we should work during our time here, and showing us how to make the most of it. Their friendship and love for each other and volleyball showed through the entire season. They lead by example to show especially the first-year players how lucky we are to be a part of such an awesome program and that we need to take advantage of our time here!

Carmen Camacho-Platas: Positivity, happiness, effort, energy, laughs & hugs

Lexi Martin: We have the loudest cheering team thanks to her, and we always compete between each other to be the loudest to see who can hype up the team the most, because being loud improves our play. I'll definitely miss her smile and voice when I'm on the court!!

Brooke Lohuis: They always had a smile on their face and made the most out of everything.

Kyana Benjamin: Lolo was the perfect hype squad teacher. Her students will continue to do her proud for years to come.

Emma Porter: Great leadership and a role model

Jessica Nash: The energy she brings is unmatched, but we'll try our best without her on the sidelines.