Editor’s note: The following is a press release from Linfield University.

Junior Kira Hawaaboo has been named Linfield University’s 2024-25 Female Athlete of the Year, capping a historic season that solidified her as one of the most accomplished multi-event competitors in school history.

“Kira is without question the best athlete I’ve coached in my 27 years at Linfield,” said track and field coach Travis Olson.

Hawaaboo’s remarkable season included earning All-American honors with her fourth-place finish in the long jump at the NCAA Indoor Championships, being named West Region Indoor Field Athlete of the Year and qualifying for both the long jump and heptathlon at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. She currently holds school records in both the long jump and heptathlon while ranking among Linfield’s all-time top-10 performers in eight different events.

At the NWC Championships, Hawaaboo delivered one of the most impressive performances in conference history. She claimed conference titles in both the long jump and heptathlon while adding third-place finishes in the 100m (12.40), 200m (25.47), and javelin (130’0”). Her efforts earned her NWC Field Athlete of the Meet honors for the second consecutive year.

Hawaaboo’s record-breaking 19’9” (6.03m) long jump at the Oregon Twilight moved her to first in NWC history and among the national leaders in Division III this season. She also ranks fourth in conference history in the heptathlon and holds the NWC meet record in the long jump.

“What impresses me the most is her ability to rise to the occasion and compete at a high level when it counts the most,” Olson added. “It has been a pleasure to coach Kira and watch her compete this season. This award is a testament to her work ethic and commitment to getting better every day.”

Originally from Enumclaw, Washington, Hawaaboo is currently majoring in exercise science at Linfield.

Hawaaboo becomes the latest in Linfield’s tradition of elite female athletes, following three-time winner Tayah Kelley. With another season remaining, the Wildcats’ superstar continues building what may become one of the greatest careers in Linfield track and field history.

Linfield University is an independent, nonprofit university with campuses in McMinnville and Portland, Oregon, as well an eCampus for online learning. Since 1858, Linfield has connected a traditional liberal arts experience with practical education through 54 majors, including wine studies, sport management and nursing. Linfield also offers interdisciplinary master’s degrees in business, nursing and sports sciences. For five years running, U.S. News & World Report magazine has named Linfield one of the top liberal arts colleges in the nation when it comes to social mobility. Thirty-eight percent of Linfield students are first-generation college students, and 38% are U.S. students of color. Linfield competes in the NCAA Division III Northwest Conference. Learn more at www.linfield.edu.