Featured Senior: Mika Costello

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

Any time during the retreats. Just being able to bond with my teammates and coaches is something I will never forget.

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

Distraught, but understanding

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 still on campus and it's fine. Most of my friends are still here and my classes were already online so not much has changed.

What has your experience as a Bearcat taught you?

Not everything goes as planned, but you have to make the most of it.

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

Enjoy the moment you're in because you're never promised tomorrow.

What are your future plans following graduation?

Continuing with collegiate athletics at the administrative level

From their teammates

What was your most memorable moment of Mika?

Emma McEvoy: Her weighted blanket I got to steal during winter training in Coronado (Calif.)

Britt Shunn-Mitchell: One of my first memories with Mika will be what sticks with me forever. I chose to make a public political stand during sporting events my first year on the team, and I was able to have a discussion with the team on why I wanted to do this and what it meant to me. I was very emotional during the stand and I knew many on the team did not agree with me, but Mika made a point to come to me afterward. She told me even though she did not fully agree, she respected what I was doing and that she would love to discuss things with me to really understand me. It meant to much to know in my first season in college with a new team that there was someone like that looking out for me and wanting to really get to know me and what I stood for regardless of her personal opinions.

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

Emma McEvoy: She has always been a role model for me and was always there to guide me when I needed help.

Britt Shunn-Mitchell: Mika has impacted every team in the NCAA by influencing the conversation on LGBTQ+ inclusion in athletics.

What makes Mika special?

Emma McEvoy: Her ability to listen and make people feel special.

Britt Shunn-Mitchell: Mika puts her money where her mouth is and will make the world a better place despite others supporting her or not.

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

Emma McEvoy: Mika's support of the team and of me will always stick with me. Love you Mika!!

Britt Shunn-Mitchell: Mika looked out for everyone on the team. If you needed a ride to the store, PDX or a concert she didn't have a ticket to Mika was there to drive you happily. If you weren't comfortable with something Mika would listen and advocate for you. Mika's strong personality will be missed on the team.