| School: Benson | Graduation Year: 1994 |
Year Inducted: 2020
Sports Played: Volleyball, Softball
High School Honors: 4 letters each in Volleyball & Softball. 3-time 1st team All-PIL Volleyball, 2nd Team All-State as a Senior. 3rd Team All-State as a Junior. Oregonian Prep Honor Roll of top performers. Benson’s Most Athletic Award as a Senior. Team MVP as Junior and Senior. Played for Portland Volleyball Club throughout Junior and Senior High. Starting 2nd baseman all four years; 2nd Team All-PIL as a Sophomore. Graduated with honors, Homecoming Queen and on Benson’s Prom Court and Rose Festival Court.
Post High School Career: Santa Clara University, BA degree in Communications. 1 letter in Volleyball as Freshman. Now a 22-year Motion Picture Marketing veteran at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, CA. Presently works as Director of Worldwide Marketing and Communications for Walt Disney Animation Studios. Coached youth softball in Santa Clarita where her two daughters play.
Commentary:
Thank you to the PIL Hall of Fame Committee for considering me. It is a great honor to be included in this wonderful group of accomplished athletes and incredible citizens of the community.
I give great thanks and appreciation to my parents, Fred and Loretta, who supported me through every game, practice, tournament and all the highs and lows. They taught me and my siblings, Zalika and Hasani, how to work hard, and the importance of humility, integrity, fortitude and giving back. My father was a great athlete and an even greater human being who started the PIL Volleyball Club so young athletes in Portland had the opportunity to advance their skills and play the game they love.
A huge thank you to my amazing coaches at Benson for encouraging me and giving me the opportunity to play. I was barely 5’5” in a sport (Volleyball), where height was a major advantage. Even though I was always the smallest on my team, I never doubted myself. My coaches gave me the confidence to believe I could compete as an outside hitter —the position I loved most. I learned that being a team player, having the right attitude and staying hungry to learn and improve are some of the keys to success.
These experiences have helped me throughout my life and career. Even today, athletics plays a big part for my family. My husband (Cal) and I strive to give our two daughters, Kale’a and Kaia, the same opportunity to learn and experience all of the joys, friendships and challenges that sports has to offer.
Thank you again for this wonderful honor.