As I enter the start of my second year as Willamette Director of Athletics, I want to update our valued Bearcat Alumni. Willamette Athletics continues to focus on three aspects of a transformational experience, cultivating scholar-athletes, fueling competitive passion and excellence, and building community and leadership.
Highlights from 2025–26
Cultivating Scholar-Athletes
- 45 College Sports Communicators Academic honorees (regional recognition for 3.5 cumulative gpa and rigorous athletic participation in their respective sports.)
- 89 graduating student-athletes prepared to lead beyond Willamette.
- More than 150 student-athletes were recognized as Northwest Conference Scholar-Athletes.
Fueling Competitive Excellence
- Five Northwest Conference Players of the Year: Dream Takemoto (Volleyball), Riley Walden (Women’s Basketball), Tanner Overby (Men’s Basketball), Austin Snodgrass (Men’s Track & Field), and Michael Baldwin (Men’s Golf).
- Four Triathlon All-Americans.
- 87 Bearcats earned All-Northwest Conference honors.
- Northwest Conference champions included Men's Golf, Trai Xiong (200 Breaststroke), Roan Bashioum (Hammer Throw), and Austin Snodgrass (Shot Put).
- NWC Tournament appearances by Volleyball, Men's Basketball, and Women's Lacrosse.
- NCAA Championships appearances by Men’s Golf and Men’s Track & Field.
Building Community
Building community in our athletic department means creating a culture where student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni and supporters feel valued and have opportunities to connect.
Since 2017, we’ve honored current student athletes, alumni, professors, and community members at our Bearcat Awards ceremony. I encourage you to take a minute to learn more about the awards given out each year and the 2026 honorees.
Another vital event for our Bearcat community is the annual Professional Development Night, held this year on March 2. Each spring, athletics alumni return to campus to share their journeys from Willamette athletics to their professional careers. Student-athletes have the opportunity to network and make meaningful career connections.
Events like these are powerful reminders of just how special a community of current and former student-athletes, parents, and supporters we have here at Willamette.
Investing in the Future of Bearcat Athletics
This spring, we dedicated the newly renovated Bill Trenbeath Baseball Field, a project made possible through the generosity of our donors. Along with the new turf and lighting at Spec Keene Stadium and continued investments across our athletic facilities, these projects demonstrate our commitment to providing an exceptional experience for current and future Bearcats.
Standing on the field that day, surrounded by alumni, former coaches and staff, friends, and families, I was reminded of two things: the importance of innovation so that Bearcat Athletics can thrive for generations to come, and the lasting impact coaches and mentors like Bill Trenbeath have on the lives of our student-athletes. I am deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this project possible.
Hall of Fame Nominations Now Open
As we celebrate today's successes, we are also preserving and honoring our proud athletic tradition.
Following the induction of the Hall of Fame Class of 2025, the Hall of Fame selection process has moved to a biennial schedule aligned with Alumni Reunion Weekend. We are now accepting nominations for the 2027 Willamette University Athletic Hall of Fame.
Willamette Athletics boasts a distinguished history, and we invite your help in recognizing the individuals and teams who have shaped that legacy.
How to nominate:
- Online: Submit through the official Hall of Fame nomination form.
- Mail: Willamette University Athletics, Hall of Fame Nomination, 900 State Street, Salem, OR 97301.
While nominations are accepted year-round, please submit materials for the 2027 class by August 30, 2026.
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Thank you for your continued support of Bearcat Athletics and the opportunities it creates for our student-athletes.
Warmly,
Leslie Shevlin
Director of Athletics