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This past season, Allison Mead ’27 helped the team win its first conference championship in nearly 40 years.

It was a milestone for the program — and a fitting moment for an athlete who has spent most of her life competing. The Canby native grew up playing nearly every sport she could find, from flag football and soccer to track and softball. But basketball was the sport she couldn't give up.

“I started playing for teams in first grade,” she said. “My older brother played, my dad played growing up and my friends played with me. When everyone in my life liked basketball, it was natural for me to be drawn to it.”

Basketball offered something else, too: a challenge she loved.

“I enjoy the teamwork it requires to be great,” Allison said. “Every player matters, no matter the role. I also like the competitive and physical side of the sport. It keeps everything engaging and exciting. A lead can change so fast. The game is always unpredictable.”

Finding home at Linfield

For Allison, Linfield offered the right balance of competition, academics and community.

“I chose Linfield because of basketball,” she said. “When I came to campus for a visit, it felt like home. The community, the small class sizes, the student‑athlete population and obviously the women’s basketball team.”

She also appreciated being close enough to home to stay connected, yet far enough away to build a new one.

Competing at the Division III level offered the balance she wanted.

“I liked the idea of playing at this level where I could have fun playing basketball and focus on academics,” she said. “As soon as I met the team, it felt right. Casey was amazing during my visit and throughout the recruiting process.”

A finance major with minors in sports management and management, Allison has found room at Linfield to pursue her academic interests alongside basketball.

A season to remember

Her time at Linfield has already produced a season the team will remember for years.

“One of my favorite memories has to be winning the conference this year,” she said. “Cutting the nets down and adding our year to the banner, which had not been done for about 40 years.”

The conference tournament game against George Fox offered another memorable moment.

“We had so much support from the school and the community,” she said. “The gym was packed.”

The championship season also strengthened the bond among teammates.

“Our closeness as a team is something that makes us so successful,” Allison said. That closeness extends beyond the court. “After a long day, I like to hang out with the team. Sometimes we do movie nights, or we go out for dinner or dessert.”

Beyond the court

Basketball is only one part of Allison’s Linfield experience. Off the court, she works in both the Office of Academic Affairs and the athletics department, gaining experience in event coordination, administrative operations and financial tracking.

She also makes room for some fun.

“I really enjoy playing Pokémon Go,” she said. “I would not say I am good at it, but I play with some of my teammates and we have a lot of fun.”

She has also picked up a new pregame ritual.

“Before almost every game this year, I played a little bit of Hacky Sack to get loose and relax,” she said. “Now I do it when I need a good brain break.”

Ready for what’s next

Even after a championship season, Allison is focused on what she can improve.

“We have all been grinding in the gym and the weight room postseason,” she said. “I have a lot of aspects of my game I want to improve on. I felt like I left a lot on the table this past year.”

With eight seniors graduating, she knows the team will need new leaders.

“I am looking forward to playing with these girls next year and seeing what we can do,” she said. “We have work to do, but everyone on the team is committed and ready to step up and make a statement.”