Featured Senior: Maya Shipway

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

I will never forget our spring break trips and getting to eat Roscoe's chicken and waffles.

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

I was devastated. Not only would I never compete in the same way that I had been competing for the last four years, I wasn't allowed to spend time with my team and continue to work hard and grow together. The very heart of my community was no longer available to me in the way it had always been before and that was heartbreaking

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

Adjusting to online life has been pretty complicated, but I am getting through it and learning how to navigate this new environment. I am still living in my house in Salem. I am realizing that I have a lot of time I don't normally have because I am usually in practice or at work for so many hours a day, but now I am just sitting around at home hanging out.

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

Take risks and remember that frustration gets in the way of learning.

What are your future plans following graduation?

I am attending the University of Wisconsin- Madison for physical therapy school starting in June

From their teammates

What was your most memorable moment of Maya?

Kendra Knapp: Leading cheers with her in the dugout

Kealaulaikalani Gier: Maya had a home run during a home game and as she was running to home she tried to do the "woah" but she threw it up to herself and then proceeded to do it as she stepped on home. It was the funniest thing ever because of the way she did the "woah" and how she threw it up to herself.

Alicia Goetz: Clowning around on the field, always laughing.

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

Jocelyn Glasgo: Maya has taught me what it means to serve others. She works without question, for the best interest of the team. Her dedication to helping the team succeed in all areas has helped me to see the valuable life lessons that can be learned through sports. And I owe that to her.

Olivia Scott: Maya is one of the most kind, generous, and selfless people I have met. I respect her and look up to her in so much. She has taught me how to care and support others and just overall be a better person. Maya has supported me constantly through the ups and downs of my Willamette career, even when she may need support herself. I would not be where I am without her and I am so glad Willamette Softball has brought us together.

Kendra Knapp: Showed how to balance so many things on your plate and do it all well.

Kealaulaikalani Gier: Maya has always been the one to recognize growth and the "little things" in my life. Throughout the four years here, we went from wanting to kill each other to wanting to kill for each other. Maya is also a definition of ride or die, just like all the other seniors. She supports me on and off the field and always celebrates the little victories and successes I've encountered.

Alicia Goetz: She has helped me get ahead as a first-year and taught me some skills in the training room and on the field that I will never forget.

What makes Maya special?

Jocelyn Glasgo: Maya's best interest was in the team and she would do anything to see that the team had its best chance at winning.

Kendra Knapp: She was a leader and would always find a solution to any problem, even if it seemed impossible at first.

Kealaulaikalani Gier: Maya will never let you feel alone. She will always be the first one you can turn to when things go downhill and she is always the first one who will congratulate you for the good things. Maya brings a positive energy and a loud voice to encourage others to be present in practices and games. Maya is someone you can rely on for support and uplifting words.

Alicia Goetz: She is a very reliable person who knows just what to say.

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

Jocelyn Glasgo: Maya, stops at nothing to be sure that everyone is taken care of. She is like the strict team mom that doesn't put up with your games but is there to help you at any cost. This girl's heart and passion for others is so evident and the team won't be the same without her.

Olivia Scott: Maya's leadership skills carried both on and off the field. Not only did she lead everyone at practice, showing up every day ready to work hard and get better, but she cared about everyone as individuals as well. She constantly advocated to the coaches for teammates to make sure everyone was successful off the field so they could be more successful on the field.

Kendra Knapp: Leadership, any problem she would find a solution.

Kealaulaikalani Gier: Maya is the definition of what it means to be a good teammate. No matter how many games or practices that she is on the bench or next in line, she shows what it means to be a strong, energetic presence on the field. She will be the one to take charge and do the tasks that no one else wants to do. She picks everyone up regardless of how practices or games are going. She gives her all in every practice and game because of how much she loves the team and the sport. Maya has been the perfect example of what it means to be a good teammate.

Alicia Goetz: Her leadership and knowledge will always be remembered.