Willamette University

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Willamette
Women's Basketball

About

The Bearcats are an NCAA Division III team that competes in the Northwest Conference. We are a championship-caliber team actively seeking student-athletes who are hard-working, tough, and competitive, and who thrive on the challenges of performing to the best of their ability both on and off the court.

We are known for our:

  • Competitive Environment
  • Experienced Coaching Staff
  • Community & Culture
  • Nationally Ranked University

Built on 3 Pillars:

  • Integrity
  • Grit
  • Excellence

BEARCAT MENTALITY | the pursuit of excellence with integrity and grit, intentionally competing…striving for greatness


Tour

Why Willamette

Addie Hiler

Exercise & Health Sciences

I chose Willamette because I wanted to have a balance between athletics and my education. I wanted to choose a school that challenged me academically and that's exactly what Willamette does for me. The team also made me feel like I belonged before I even committed, now I have the best teammates I could have ever asked for.

Ashley Collins

Civic Communications and Media

I chose Willamette because I felt at home as soon as I walked onto campus and met with the coaches and team. On top of being able to play basketball, the level of academics and the MBA program are also one of the best in the Northwest.

Danielle Morgan

Undecided

I came here because of Peg. She is the best in the game.

Elyse Waldal

Business Administration

I chose Willamette because I had the opportunity to play for a winning program as well as explore my interests outside of basketball. Willamette is an amazing academic and athletic school where I feel challenged in the classroom, on the court, and with my involvement in the school.

Emma Floyd

Exercise Health Science

I chose Willamette because of the positive and welcoming culture of not only the Women’s Basketball Program but the school itself.

Jasmine Shigeno

Public Health & Biology

I chose Willamette because I loved the class sizes and the more personal connections with the professors I could have. I also loved the team chemistry and the positive environment the coaches created within the basketball program

Jaydin Lutu

Undecided

I chose Willamette so I could continue playing the sport I love while also giving myself an opportunity to pursue an education that will better prepare me for the future. Being a Division III school, it allows me to be a part of a close community where I can balance both academics and athletics.

Kaitlin Imai

Civic Communications & Media

I chose Willamette for the opportunity to play for Coach Peg, and to develop as a student, an athlete, and person.

Megan River

Exercise Health Science

I chose Willamette mainly because of the coaching staff. They made me feel so welcomed and like I was already a part of something. I also knew I was going to get an amazing education here. Plus, I absolutely love the state of Oregon and Willamette’s campus.

Peyton Gardner

Studio Art

I chose Willamette because of how quickly I felt I was a part of an amazing family with my teammates and coaches.

Accomplishments

  • 2023-24

    • NWC Regular Season Champions
    • NCAA Division III National Tournament Appearance
    • Coach of the Year - Peg Swadener
    • National Division III Coach of the Week - Peg Swadener
    • Defensive Player of the Year - Carolyn Ho
    • NWC All-Conference Players:
      • Carolyn Ho (1st Team), Elyse Waldal (1st Team), Ava Kitchin, Megan River, Kaitlin Imai

  • 2022-23

    • NWC All-Conference Players
      • Sami Riggs, Carolyn Ho, Megan River

  • 2021-22

    • NWC All-Conference Players
      • Amanda Carpenter (1st Team), Ava Kitchin

  • 2019-20

    • NWC All-Conference Players
      • Kassin Hopkins

  • 2018-19

    • NWC All-Conference Players
      • Britanny Kochenderfer

  • 2017-18

    • Coach of the Year - Peg Swadener
    • Regional Coach of the Year - Peg Swadener
    • NWC All-Conference Players
      • Kylie Towry (1st Team), Britanny Kochenderfer

The Team

Highlights

Videos

Photos

Recent Photo Galleries

Location

The Capitol: Our Extended Campus

Only a crosswalk away, the epicenter of Oregon government and policy provides another set of labs and classrooms where our students explore and implement the ideas they’re learning from their professors — whether they intern for policymakers, conduct primary source research in the Oregon State Archives, make law recommendations to the legislature or work side-by-side with the state’s top scientists and economists

Pacific Northwest

Willamette University enjoys all the benefits of the Pacific Northwest: forests, rivers, mountains and coastline nearby; a commitment to the environment; a relaxed, creative and civic-minded culture; and vibrant arts and music scenes. We’re also in the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley — a region known for its organic farms, Christmas trees and wineries — and only 48 miles south of Portland, an urban cultural and economic hub.

Maps