Featured Senior: Olivia Scott

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

Getting my first hit as a slapper after switching over from being a right-handed hitter.

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

To be honest, I wasn't very surprised because the virus was spreading quickly throughout other NWC cities. However, I did not think it would be so early in our season. I was really looking forward to playing Lewis and Clark the upcoming weekend and seeing the rest of the season play out with so many talented players that we have on the team. Having the season end without any closure or idea that we participated in our last practice or game was heartwrenching.

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

I am off-campus in Salem with Vanessa Almaraz. Life in quarantine has been a little rough -- I am getting a little stir crazy being inside all the time, but Ness and I are doing a lot of home workouts and going on walks as much as we can. I have also started to run longer distances to clear my mind from everything that is going on and get rid of some of my energy. Not having practice is weird ... I think about it every day around 3:30 when we would just be starting and I don't like all the free time it has given me. Learning online is tough. I miss seeing my classmates, friends, and professors around campus. It definitely makes you think about the impact some people have made on you when you don't see them every day anymore.

What has your experience as a Bearcat taught you?

It's no secret the softball team has had their fair share of adversity in my four years at Willamette. The biggest thing I've learned through all of this is how to be a good teammate and pull people together in adversity rather than pushing people apart.

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

One of the most important things I would emphasize to future Bearcats would be to embrace the chaos of being a student-athlete at a liberal arts school. What I mean by that is while your sport is important and you need to dedicate yourself to it, don't limit your involvement to just the sport. Especially as a D3 athlete, once we graduate, our time as an athlete is over. So don't be afraid to seek out opportunities you are interested in outside of athletics, whether that is music, student organizations on campus, or volunteer opportunities in the Salem area. You never know what you will learn and how you will grow from these experiences as well as those as a student-athlete.

What are your future plans following graduation?

I will be getting a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania with a focus in criminal justice, with the ultimate goal of reducing mass incarceration and helping people reintegrate into the real world post-incarceration.

From their teammates

What was your most memorable moment of Olivia?

Adele Benny: Being in the same weights group and the same hitting group. Also when Olivia leads the Bearcat Rumble cheer. Olivia was also my accountability partner.

Kealaulaikalani Gier: Olivia is the reason why our team started doing the "Bearcat Rumble" as cheers.

Alicia Goetz: Dancing in the dugout, doing the Bearcat Rumble with all of our hearts.

Jocelyn Glasgo: During one of our games I struck out and was very frustrated. Olivia noticed it and came over and gave me a hug and gave me the best and most encouraging pep talk, reminding me that one play or at bat doesn't define me. This moment meant so much to me and put me back in the mindset to play with confidence.

Jocelyn Glasgo: Eating way too much ice cream before practice for lunch buddies.

Kelsey Wong: We made loafs of bread which is something I have never done before.

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

Adele Benny: Olivia is so sweet and can always put a smile on my face. She always lifted me up when I felt down, and would help me improve both on the field and in the classroom.

Kendra Knapp: Always positive and making the best out of every situation

Kealaulaikalani Gier: Olivia has always been the one to listen whenever an ear is needed. Even though she may not understand what it's like to be going through certain trials or situations, she will always listen and give advice based off knowing who you are as a person, and never judging you for whatever you decide to do. Olivia is always the one who reminds you to stop and smell the roses in life.

Alicia Goetz: Olivia has shown me that you don't have to worry about what other people think, and you are able to express yourself the way you want.

Jocelyn Glasgo: Olivia taught me what it means to be a selfless player and how to give your all to the team. She never hesitates to do what is best for the team and is a great example of a team player.

Jocelyn Glasgo: She always pushed me to do my best and was really good at checking into everyone's lives to make sure everyone was doing okay.

Bailey Hillmick: Olivia is one of the most reliable and trustworthy teammates and friends I have ever had. She is such a positive uplifting person when you might need it the most. Outside of softball, Olivia taught me so much that has made me grow as a person. I would not be who I am today without her constant support.

Kelsey Wong: She works so hard on the field and is never in a bad mood. I look up to her base-running skills.

What makes Olivia special?

Adele Benny: Olivia is always there for me and I look up to her in every way. I want to be like Olivia.

Kendra Knapp: She was super funny and was always there for us (first-year players).

Kealaulaikalani Gier: Olivia is the most hardworking senior as she always fights no matter how many times she gets knocked over. She is adaptable in all that she does, sacrificing herself for the best of others. She never complains and always holds a great attitude and positivity for everyone around her. She is the most reliable teammate who will give her time to make everyone else better.

Alicia Goetz: When I was struggling, Olivia always went out of her way to make sure I was happy and staying positive. She stayed with me through the easy and hard times.

Jocelyn Glasgo: Olivia always makes a point to be sure that you are doing good or just to check in. She cares so much for everyone and is always there to listen and help with any problem.

Jocelyn Glasgo: The energy and passion she had for her teammates

Bailey Hillmick: Olivia is so selfless. She is always so supporting and always present to listen. She is truly one of the nicest people I know, and she inspires everyone around her.

Kelsey Wong: She cares for every player and is always there to talk with them about anything.

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

Adele Benny: She is a great player and is always there to encourage anybody. She was always there for her teammates and would listen to our problems. She is one of the kindest people I've ever met.

Kendra Knapp: No matter the hour or problem she was always there for you. Never afraid to be herself.

Kealaulaikalani Gier: Olivia has inspired the girls on our team to always be there for one another. She has left an impact on both catchers and outfielders on the team to always work hard and to always be open to every opportunity that may be given. She shows how important it is to be alert and ready at all times during games and practices in order to help the team be successful.

Alicia Goetz: I will know I can always count on her and look up to her as a model. The way she listens to others and acts as a crutch for her teammates will always be remembered.

Jocelyn Glasgo: Her contagious energy on the field brought everybody's spirits up and made playing softball fun. She always knows how to have a good time and keep things energized. She also makes some of the ugliest/funniest faces you'll ever see and no one will be able to top that.

Jocelyn Glasgo: Bearcat Rumble!! And the spirit of just how to be a great teammate

Bailey Hillmick: Olivia has created a great example of how important it is for the team to always come first and to support your teammates no matter what. And that will continue after she is gone ... for a healthy culture on and off the field.