By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications
SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette baseball players Sean Little (Sr., INF, Corvallis, OR/Crescent Valley HS) and Michael Nelsen (Sr., C, Folsom, CA/Vista Del Lago HS) have both changed positions during their four years with the Bearcats. Little first played on the infield, then moved to the outfield, and has returned to the infield. Nelsen has competed in the outfield but moved behind the plate as a catcher for the Bearcats last season. He's a catcher this season, too.
Now, both players are seeking to attend dental school after they graduate from Willamette this coming spring. Both took the Dental Admission Test this past summer, performed well on the test, and are in the process of applying to various dental schools.
"I've known that I wanted to pursue a career in dentistry since I was a senior in high school," Nelsen said. "I realized the impact that orthodontics had on my life as a kid and that inspired me to help members of my community in the same way."
"Dentistry was always a career path that I kept in the back of my mind and I finally made the decision to pursue it during my sophomore year, thanks to some persuasion from Mike," Little commented. "My motivation stems from a desire to help others as well as the ability to follow in my father's footsteps."
Preparing for dental school begins with studying for the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Then you have to take the test ... and do well.
"The Dental Admission Test is about four hours long and consists of several science sections, math, reading, and perceptual ability," Nelsen recalled. "I spent four hours a day studying for more than two months over the summer. We got our results back right after the test and it was one of the most rewarding feelings. The first thing I did was call my parents to tell them that all the studying paid off."
"The two-month period that I spent studying and preparing for the DAT was nerve-wracking," Little said. "Luckily, we were able to study together for two weeks prior to the test. Receiving my score after the test was a huge relief and I was overjoyed to see that Mike succeed as well."
Having a teammate with similar ambitions and concerns has been rewarding for Little and Nelsen. They've been able to support each other as they move closer to attending a dental college.
"I feel really grateful to have a teammate who is going through the same process as me," Nelsen commented. "We've been able to study together in our tougher classes, help each other navigate the application process, and be co-presidents of the Pre-Dental Club. We've also been able to pass along some of our experiences and connections to Layton Wagner, who is also interested in dentistry."
"It's been great having one of my best friends go through this entire process with me," Little said. He also noted that they've been able to practice mock interviews as the admission process continues.
Is it possible that they might go to the same dental school?
"There was some overlap in the schools that we applied to, so it is possible. But that's something we'll look into if we're lucky enough to be accepted!," Little noted.
"Both of our tops schools are in our respective home states (California for Nelsen, Oregon for Little)," Nelsen said, "but if we both end up getting admitted into the same school that will definitely be another factor to take into consideration."
"We are currently waiting to hear back from schools to see if we have been invited for an interview," Nelsen explained. "So far, I've interviewed at University of the Pacific and have another one at Midwestern University (Ariz.) in February. Hopefully, we will be hearing back from more schools over the winter."
"I'm preparing for an online interview with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), my top school," Little mentioned. "Other than that, I'm still waiting for responses from other schools."
Little and Nelsen are both in their fourth season on the Willamette baseball team. Little is a middle infielder this season, while Nelsen is a catcher for the Bearcats. During their three previous seasons, Willamette has achieved a combined record of 58-43, including 31-19 in 2018, when the Bearcats won the NWC Tournament Championship and advanced to the NCAA Division III West Regional Final. The 31 victories set a Willamette record.
"I've always enjoyed how supportive of an environment our team offers," Nelsen said. "Everyone is pulling on the same side of the rope and the work ethic of our teammates is contagious. I've met some lifelong friends through Willamette baseball and I'll always be thankful for that."
"I appreciate the relationships that I've built with my teammates over the years, especially my Pod 3 teammates," Little noted. "We've built a great team environment and I'm excited to hopefully compete in the spring."
Each player recalled a memory from the baseball team during the current semester.
"My favorite memory from this year's fall practice is when we changed Ben's walkup song to the Elmo's World theme song for our World Series weekend," Nelsen said jokingly.
"For me, it was having a Halloween game with the team and winning first place in the costume contest," Little said. "Now I know that the money I spent on it was worth it!"
