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

Our senior game! It was such a special day and it was amazing to be surrounded by so many individuals who played such a valuable role in my soccer career over the past four years.

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

I really empathized for all the other seniors who play a winter/spring sport and weren't able to see their seasons all the way through to the end. I feel so grateful to have been able to complete my last season in the fall, and I can't begin to imagine how devastating it must have been for those who didn't have that same opportunity.

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 quarantined with some close friends and we have been making the most of the situation and trying to keep ourselves entertained! Transitioning to online learning has been challenging, but I am grateful to have professors who have been accommodating and patient throughout this time.

What has your experience as a Bearcat taught you?

My experience as a Bearcat has taught me a lot about perseverance and remembering that the good days outweigh the bad ones! This experience gave me the most incredible teammates and friends, and I am forever grateful.

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

Everyone always says this, but try to enjoy all the little moments, both big and small because time flies by! Also, keep checking in on those around you. You never know when someone needs a little extra support.

What are your future plans following graduation?

I am hoping to get a job in Seattle that is centered around social justice and works with at-risk youth!

From their teammates

What was your most memorable moment of Rachel?

Caroline Adams: When she scored her goal in our last game -- it counted in our hearts. :)

Julia Fecteau: Celebrating a win on Senior Day against Whitman. Rachael had scored on a header. The goal was disallowed, but we still celebrated. It was such a positive moment for her and for our seniors.

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

Caroline Adams: Rachael is one of the kindest, most hardworking people I've ever met. She has given me so much advice throughout the years, especially in this past season, and I could not be more grateful.

Julia Fecteau: On the field, Rachael is a leader and an incredibly talented defender. I have learned a lot about my position through watching and playing with her. This spring she balanced a job, a very challenging course schedule, and two internships. She was able to do this and still be an incredible friend and teammate. In the future, she wants to help incarcerated youth. She is truly one of the most conscientious and caring people I know.

Jackie Gilroy: She pushed me to be better at communicating on the field, and she believed in me.

What makes Rachael special?

Caroline Adams: She gives the best advice, and has a killer shot.

Julia Fecteau: She is open minded and her kindness is evident in everything she does. She motivates and empowers her teammates and friends. Her desire to positively impact the world and the lives of everyone around her is something I admire and is reflective of who she is as a person.

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

Julia Fecteau: I think she has shown everyone the value of being a competitor and what it means to be a good teammate. She has set an example that the players now will pass on.