Meet Linfield’s new M.S. in business cohort
The newest Master of Science in business cohort started class in August 2026, bringing diverse academic backgrounds, professional experiences and passions. Linfield’s unique graduate-level business program will help them through specific tracks and coursework in sport leadership and design and innovation.
Student spotlights
Tanner Relling
Hometown: Eugene, OR
Undergraduate studies: Business Management
Key strengths: “my ability to lead as well as work well inside of a team.”
Excited to... learn more about the business world and sharpen academic skills.
Goals: Complete the master’s program with diligence.
Trenton Wainfeld
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Undergraduate studies: Finance
Key strengths: Hard working, organized, adaptable, works well with others
Excited to... work with others passionate about business and to problem‑solve.
Goals: Develop leadership skills, become more creative, and work better in team environments.
Matua Tomas Whalen
Hometown: Umatac, Guam
Undergraduate studies: Marketing major, Sports Management minor
Key strengths: Public speaking, presenting, market analysis, public outreach, marketing
Excited to... improve teamwork abilities and learn new workplace skills.
Goals: “Try my hardest and succeed in all I do!”
Keighton Preston
Hometown: Kaneohe, Hawaii
Undergraduate studies: Communications
Key strengths: High energy, understanding, motivated
Excited to... complete the capstone project in Spain.
Goals: Be the best group member in the cohort.
Kaanan Huffman
Hometown: West Linn, OR
Undergraduate studies: Business Administration
Key strengths: Communication, public speaking
Excited to... further leadership development.
Goals: Be the best learner possible.
Lukas McNabb
Hometown: Scappoose, OR
Undergraduate studies: Business Management, minor in Sports Management
Key strengths: Strong work ethic, strong leadership skills, effective communication
Excited to... work with others and gain valuable knowledge for the future.
Goals: Build valuable career skills and strong connections through the program.
Mason Bowles
Hometown: Aliso Viejo, CA
Undergraduate studies: Sports Management
Key strengths: Hard working, good project partner
Excited to... learn more about the sports world.
Goals: Become comfortable speaking in front of people.
David Contreras
Hometown: McMinnville, OR
Undergraduate studies: Finance, Management minor
Key strengths: Disciplined, self‑aware, competitive, resilient, detail‑oriented
Excited to... collaborate with new people and grow as a student and adult.
Goals: Continue personal and academic growth, create new relationships, and apply program learning to future endeavors.
Kyle Fairbanks
Hometown: Bend, OR
Undergraduate studies: Kinesiology
Key strengths: Strong communicator, people‑first mindset, leadership, teamwork
Excited to... learn what makes a good leader in sports business and to travel to Spain for capstone projects.
Goals:
- Create a meaningful fellowship project
- Make new connections
- Learn skills for a passion‑driven career
- Gain knowledge to start a business
- Travel to Barcelona for the international capstone
Brooks Lerfald
Hometown: Eugene, OR
Undergraduate studies: Finance major, Economics minor
Key strengths: Positive, resilient, hard working, strong communication
Excited to... build skills for a future career.
Goals: Build a career that is meaningful and allows him to create positive impact.
Jackson Bui
Hometown: Tigard, OR
Undergraduate studies: Finance
Key strengths: Quantitative reasoning, problem‑solving, data analytics, evidence‑based decision‑making
Excited to... dive into the Design & Innovation track, hands‑on capstones, and mentorship.
Goals:
Short‑term: Develop design thinking and innovation frameworks that turn data into strategy.
Long‑term: Move into a leadership role bridging finance, analytics, and innovation strategy.
Mary Huber
Hometown: Amity, OR
Undergraduate studies: Project Management; Minor in Computer Information Systems
Key strengths: Honesty, humor, fairness, humility, perseverance
Excited to... deepen leadership and business skills and learn from real‑world case studies.
Goals: Build a rewarding career that blends her passions with program skills to positively impact her community.