Player Profile

#6 Margaret Dowling

Hello! I am Margaret Dowling…commonly referred to as Marge…or to take it even further Large Marge. I am the solo senior on the team this year and I also play basketball for Lewis and Clark. I from San Francisco/Peninsula Area, Burlingame California. I am a biology/ pre-med major and am planning on going to Physician Assistant school post-graduation!! I worked in a Physical Therapy clinic this summer in Lake Oswego (5 minutes from campus) and it was by far the best job ever! I loved it because you are an active participant in their rehab process and also get to talk to the patients and learn all about them. Its amazing how connected you get to people in a 3 month period. Working at the clinic gave me some of my clinical patient hours for PA school but I still have a long way to go! I will probably work at the same clinic after graduation or work at a hospital or something. I also work as a student athletic trainer at LC so I always have my hands in the medical stuff. I love it!

I absolutely love to travel. I lived in England till I was 7 and so I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to travel most of Europe and a good amount of Asia. I would love to make it to Africa, Australia, and South America in my lifetime!!!

I have  a pet cat named Abby who lives with me in my house up here. He loves to cuddle which always makes me happy.

#4 Elena Hoff

Hey, I’m Elena! I’m a junior DS/Libero from Lincoln, Nebraska.  I’m twenty years old (or young) – however you wish to see it. I claim to be 5’3” but I haven’t found one person yet who believes that one. I play physics and study volleyball (although at times it’s the other way around.) My plan is to be an Architectural Engineer focusing on designing and building “green” houses or commercial buildings.

I generally have a stern head on my shoulders, except sometimes it’s in the clouds. I have dreams and aspirations I’ve never mentioned allowed. I’m such a procrastinator it’s disgusting and I tend to rely on others for motivation…..which I feel is not a good thing? But I’ve been making it work. If you’re wondering – yes, I’m incredibly happy with who I am. I feel like I have touched many lives while too many have touched mine. I’m ridiculously lucky with the amount of people who love me and I try so hard everyday to not take it for granted. I’m part of a life changing organization back in Nebraska whose purpose is to promote youth leadership; I swear it is the best thing of which I’ve been a part.

This year I’m living off campus!!! It’s been a whirlwind adventure and completely changed my view of Portland and college life.  I absolutely LOVE it. =)

My pet peeves include terrible grammar and the over use of phrases such as “I’m not gonna lie,” “I mean…,” “You know what I’m saying?” and the ever famous: “to be honest.” My favorite place in the world is on top of Foss Mountain in New Hampshire. Favorite foods are: wings, ribs, onion rings, philly cheesesteaks. Favorite holiday: the Fourth of July.  Favorite Sport: Football. Favorite colors are: white, turquoise and coral. Favorite country to vacation: Greece. Favorite TV shows: Covert Affairs, NCIS and Law and Order: SVU.

Random facts about me: I’m double jointed in my elbows.  I used to figure skate, dive and do gymnastics.  I wear women’s size 6 shoes.  My parents are fluent/proficient in french, greek, german, latin, turkish – and so I use everyday phrases in those languages without really noticing. (I’m definitely not even close to knowing a language though. HAHA)  I’ve only stepped foot on a farm about five times in my life, despite being from Nebraska.  I did research for NASA as part of their Microgravity University program as an internship my senior year in high school.  I used to play clarinet; and yes I was in marching band.

#9 Leia Matsunaga

Hi!!!  I’m Leia Matsunaga.  I’m going to be a junior (math major) this year, how quick time flies.  I am from Kaneohe, Hawaii (on Oahu).  I love the 808 state!  My parents are Gwen and Joel Matsunaga, fair to say one of the the teams biggest supporters, best parents ever!  I have three sisters, all older, Nicole, Lauren, and Kayla.  They allllll went to University of Puget Sound (losers-jk).  I love my doggie!  His name is Ziggy and he’s a miniature beagle, but the best doggie in the world!  Even though I’m a real picky eater,  I love Japanese food and Hawaiian food.  Cannot eat spicy food at all.  In my free time, I love going to the beach with family and friends, I  like to paddleboard or swim, and I enjoy baking.  This summer I worked my first job (ever) at Nordstrom!  It was fun but I’m so happy to be back in Portland with all my friends and starting up volleyball again.  Oh and I’m a setter…or libero…or wherever Coach Lori tells me to go.  I’m 5’5″, but that’s with shoes on.  .  Looking forward to this season and this school year!  Go Pios!  Mahalo!

#10 Sarah Sandholtz

Hi everybody!  I’m Sarah Sandholtz, but my teammates call me Sandy or Sandypants or Pants (long story).  I am a junior from Irvine, California.  Irvine is about 45 miles south of Los Angeles and just a few miles from the coast.  I am a Chemistry major and Math minor, and I also like physics.  I’ve been playing volleyball since 7th grade.  I played middle blocker on my first club team because I was one of the tallest players on the team, but ever since then I’ve played outside hitter and defensive specialist (because I am no longer one of the tallest players).  I love traveling and have visited 13 different states plus Washington D.C. and 14 foreign countries.  Some of my favorite family vacations have been to New Orleans, New Mexico, Canada, England, France, Italy, Austria, and Germany.  I play the piano and the viola, and I also love playing board games.

#12 Jennifer Dowdy

Hi!  I’m Jenn Dowdy, and I am a junior!  I can hardly believe that I am half was through my time here at LC!  I grew up in San Francisco, CA, and I first began playing volleyball in 3rd grade, and competitively playing in 7th grade, when I started playing club, playing for both Slainte and San Francisco Juniors VBC.  An interesting fact about my volleyball life:  I have played every position possible on the court at one point or another.  I moved from middle hitter, to setter, to right-side hitter, and to outside hitter (my current position!), during which I played a few matches as libero.  Outside hitter is by far my favorite position because I get to play both offense and defense (I love both pretty equally).

Academically, I am a double major with French Studies and Studio Art, with a focus in ceramics.   In the January, I will be studying abroad in Strasburg, and I couldn’t be more excited!!! One of my favorite things about Portland and Lewis and Clark is the rain.  I could sit and listen to the rain drops hitting the trees and their leaves for hours.  Besides volleyball, I have a lot of hobbies and interests.  I enjoy baking, traveling, singing (loudly and whenever possible), reading books that aren’t for school, playing with Rubik’s cubes, shopping, and running in Tryon Creek State Park.  My favorite author is Audrey Niffenegger (she has written The Time Traveler’s Wife and Her Fearful Symmetry).  I love music, and my interests are always changing.  Right now, I am listening to a lot of Gym Class Heroes, the Script, Jessie J., and Explosions in the Sky.

#5 Kelsie Dorpat

Hello people! My name is Kelsie Dorpat and I am a sophomore from Whidbey Island, Washington. I will admit, it is one of the most beautiful places to live, EVER…that’s if you can handle the rain. I love hanging my friends at the beach (Double Bluff). My birthday is Feb. 19th and don’t you forget it! I am known to quote movies 24/7, my favorite movies include Tommy Boy and the Hangover. I am a relatively loud person and Im not afraid to show it. I say what’s on my mind but figure I probably should shut up once in awhile. My mom and dad are my life support and my brother Jameson is nuts, but I love him too, I also have three step-siblings named Austin, Lindsey and Allison. One of my best friends plays for Pacific Luthern University so its even more reason for me to want to kick their butts!

I have been playing volleyball for 7 years now and I cannot live without it, thats why I had to continue to play in college! My favorite thing to do out of the court is to set my hitters and of course, kill dump! I also played a little basketball here and there. I played softball all through out little league and in high school, third-base…wud up! If I were a boy, I’d play football in a heart beat…I love to tackle! The closest thing to that is lacrosse which I plan on playing in the spring! I love to make people laugh and I find the best way to do that is act like an idiot which is completely okay with me…(sometimes, people). I looove music, my iPod is always in my ears from sitting in my room to my own pre-game warmup. I usually listen to country, rap, techno and pop. My favorite food? Psh, ya right…I love all foods, and let me tell you, I eat a lot of it!
Okay, now for the academic side of things. I am really interested in being a pharmacist or psychologist. Either way, I know I want to be able to help people. I am double majoring in biology and psychology. Sometimes I wish I could sleep for days, but heck, don’t we all?

#7 Kayla Ernewein

Hello! I’m Kayla Ernewein. I am a sophomore hailing from Warrensburg, MO. I’m a 5’7 3/4″ middle and right side (whichever Lori is feeling that day). After having a most delightful discussion with one of my professors I have decided to become a Religious Studies major and Classical Studies minor. As of now I still don’t have clue as to what career path I will venture down, but if I knew that, all the mystery and excitement of life would disappear!

Fun Facts about ME:

I love to travel and am still contemplating a year long world tour as a scuba bum.

I am obsessed with the show Modern Family, it is utter genius.

I love food, especially hot dogs.

The sounds of chomping gum, scraping of forks and the brushing of teeth all annoy me to DEATH.

I am prone to sporadic dancing.

I enjoy the water and almost all activities surrounding it (i.e. wakeboarding, tubing, skiiing, swimming)

I am on the LC Swim team as well as the VB team. My events are the 50, 100 and 200 Free and the 100 Fly.

Family Reunions are the highlight of my life.

Also, Margaret  Dowling has a picture of my face in her locket.

#11 Alicia Callejo-Black

Hi my name is Alicia Callejo-Black, and I’m a sophomore from San Francisco, California. I’m 19 years old, turning 20 in January. I’m 6 feet tall officially, but in my heart I’ll always be 5’11 3/4″. I played volleyball all throughout high school, and club on the off-seasons. I dappled in other sports/activities early on in life (soccer, basketball, taekwondo) but I’m all about volleyball now.

I’m proud to say that I’ve been to three different types of school; public elementary school, parochial middle school, and private high school. Personally I thought elementary school was the best, but that may have been because of nap time. I had the opportunity this summer to work at Clinic by the Bay, a free health clinic for residents within the area who don’t have life insurance. This experience has really helped me focus in on what I want to do with the rest of my life, which will most likely involve some way of helping people either medically or therapeutically. I’ve recently changed my studies from Psychology and Environmental Studies to just Psychology with an emphasis on Pre-Med. It’s a difficult switch but one I’m glad I’ve made.

Beyond my schooling I really enjoy outdoor activities; I spent a summer training to become a river rafting guide, and I like to spend any free time (which is limited right now) being outside and hiking, swimming, star-gazing. At the end of my freshman I attended a Wilderness First Responder course, and I’m now a certified First Responder and also certified in CPR. I originally took this course for a summer camp job, but I ended up working in the Clinic instead. However, this course really helped me out a couple times this summer, especially when my family pulled over right after a four-car accident had occurred. My father and I were able to evacuate and stabilize the people until the EMTs arrived.

I love food. Favorite foods? After I kicked my habit of being picky, I will pretty much eat anything. Except tomatoes. Never tomatoes. But any combination of cheese and carbohydrates? Mac and cheese, pizza, quesadillas, grilled cheese? That’s the best. And milk. I always drink milk.

My family has always been a big part of my life. I have a twin brother, Peter, who’s been my best friend forever. It’s great living far enough away from home to get some independence, yet close enough they we can be in touch easily.

Pretty much one of my favorite places to be is on the lawn below the reflecting pool. I could lay there for hours as the afternoon passes, and the sun elongates the trees’ shadows. And I have.

#15 Erika James

 Hello! My name is Erika James and I am a Sophomore here at LC. A little bit about myself…I come from sunny Pasadena, California, I love sushi, purple is my favorite color,
I have five siblings, two horses, a dog, and a Senegalese Parrot. I am absolutely in love with the That 70′s Show, Modern Family and The Office (in other words, I love to laugh). I have traveled to all fifty states, Canada, and Mexico, and I’m looking to eventually go to every continent at least once in the next ten years. I am currently a Psychology major, but I’m not sure what I would like to do with it yet. Maybe Therapy?
About my Volleyball life… I am currently an outside/ right side for the Pios and have been playing volleyball
for about seven years now. I started club my freshman year of high school, and played for Arroyo Volleyball Club, and for San Gabriel Volleyball Club.
Best inspirational quote ever – “Get ‘er done”.

#1 Vanessa Hall

Hey! I’m Vanessa Hall, and I’m a freshman from Las Vegas, NV (yupp, born and raised in that crazy city!).  I’ve played volleyball for 7 years, along with playing club in the off-season.  I switched around club teams a lot looking for that right fit; I played for Nevada State Stars, Desert Elite, Vegas Heat, and Club Vegas.  I have always been a setter because I love being a leader on the court and “setting” my hitters up for success J I’ve also played basketball, but decided volleyball was my real passion.  I’m a very competitive and active person so volleyball is my therapy at the end of a long day of classes.

On the academic side of things, I’m loving my time here at LC, but I’m a little undecided on exactly what I want to study.  I am leaning towards an International Relations/ Environmental Studies combination, but I also have a true passion for art.  I think working for the UN or Amnesty International would be absolutely incredible because I’m very interested in traveling and mending human rights violations and providing humanitarian aid to the poorest countries in the world.

Some other fun facts are that I love most physical activity and am up to play basically any sport.  I love to travel and want to visit every continent at some point in my life.  I am a terrible procrastinator when it comes to school work and will find ANYTHING to do before starting an essay or studying…but somehow I manage to pull it off J I love wakeboarding, and even though I am not an “out-doorsy” girl, I love the ocean and my favorite place in the world is Priest Lake in Idaho (where my roommate happens to be fromJ.  I have a TON of nicknames like Ness, Nessy, Nessa, Nestle (like the chocolate), and Hallsie and Lochness (as created by my new teammates).  My favorite color is blue and my favorite food is pasta or anything Italian.  I also have a huge sweet tooth and love desserts J My favorite movie is a tie between Never Back Down and The Notebook.  A quote I like to live by is “When the world says, “Give up,” Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.”

I am really looking forward to my first season at Lewis and Clark, loving my teammates and can’t wait to keep improving and playing!

#2 Christine Asher

Hello! I’m Christine most of the time, with nicknames Teen, X-Teen, Steen and here at L & C, Chris.  I’m from Boise, Idaho, lived there all my life, I’ve got three siblings, Amy, John and Jayne (all married with children), my parents are Steve and Merrie Asher, and I’ve got one pet, my cocker spaniel, Noah.  I have and always will be, a student athlete.  This means I give 110 percent in the classroom and 110 percent on the volleyball court; I can be successful in both; I am a Gemini.  Our world in one of duality .. we innately do things in pairs .. like playing offensive and defensive.  I love the intensity of the back row, and the power and drive while being a front row hitter.

Volleyball was (is)a year-round sport for me, beginning and ending in June.  I spent my summers at camp, and just when high school volleyball ball ended, club began.  I have played Libero, OH an DS for Boise River Volley Club on their traveling National team for the past four years.  This summer I coached younger athletes in technique and motivation, getting them ready for their high school try-outs.  Loved it.  I also worked at an elementary school mentoring special needs students.  Loved that too.

Some random facts about me are I have danced, sang and played the piano for the past six years.  It’s been a big part of my life, adding to the pace, fluidity and grace of my volleyball game (‘big hops’). My favorite color is purple and my favorite meal of the day is breakfast.  I love to swim, tube and boat during the summer.  Dessert is the best part of any meal, and my favorite is anything chocolate.

I’m adjusting well at L & C.  I think I’m going to like it here.  In just two weeks, I’ve learned some cools things about myself; about others.  Love my roommate.  I haven’t chosen a major yet; leaning toward the humanities though.  Maybe psychology or cultural anthropology, understanding human behavior, diversity, surroundings, people in general; what makes them tick.

I have been waiting for this season to begin all summer. I respect my team, their talent, passion … girls who love the sport as much as me.  Real Champs.

#3 Erika Page

Hi!  I’m Erika Page from Newport Beach, California!  I play pretty much any position, wherever I am needed works best for me!  I am currently planning on double majoring in International Studies and Foreign Languages (Spanish & French), and if I have time, minoring in music.

I love eating!  Peanut butter is one of my favorite foods, and if you are allergic to it you might have a problem being friends with me.  I also enjoy hearty steaks and French fries.  I like beets because they taste like fresh dirt, and I can’t get enough of the kombucha they sell in the trail room.

I also very #12much enjoy anything outdoors!  This past summer my friends and I went on a gnarly 5-day hike in the German Alps.  It was more like rock climbing over the tops of mountains than hiking. But we all made it back alive!  It seems that Oregon is the perfect place for my outdoor needs.

I can’t wait to see what else Lewis & Clark has in store for me.  And, I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes:

If your face is swollen from the severe beatings of life, smile and pretend to be a fat man.    – Nigerian Proverb

#8 Kataleya Milan

Hey, I’m Kataleya Milan, but most everyone calls me Kat. I’m half Thai and half American (from Michigan). I’ve never lived in the States though (although I was born in California and stayed for 3 months before moving overseas, so I don’t count that as actually residing there). I first lived in Hong Kong, then Malaysia for about 3 years, and lastly Bangkok for 14 years, so I consider Thailand to be my home.

I love sports, singing, dancing, painting, and embarrassing moments. My favorite classes in high school were math and English. I have no idea what I want to major in, and I’m interested in many many many subjects. I love asian food, and I currently miss it so much. I miss cheap, Thai food. The coolest places I have ever visited were Oman and Bhutan. My favorite holiday would be Thanksgiving and Christmas. I love the feel of family during Thanksgiving, and the thought of Christmas just makes me happy. One thing that I am really excited for is to see the leaves change during the fall. And I’m excited to be in such a beautiful state. It’s a little hard to go camping in a cement city. I’ve never seen a live football game, so I’m excited to go to my first one sometime in the next few weeks. My favorite book is Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. My favorite TV shows are How I Met your Mother, Friends, Glee, Awkward, and Big Bang Theory. My favorite movies are Forrest Gump, Dead Poet’s Society, and Singing in the Rain.

#14 Brigitte Russo

Hi, my  name is Brigitte Russo, well technically my name is Brigitte-Gregoria Annalisa Ululani Kekahiliokalani Russo, but “B” is just fine . I lived in Italy for 11 years, Sicilia to be exact. When I was 11 my mom decided to move back home, where she was from, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawai’i. I didn’t know any English at the time and hit the Kapahulu Public Library every day. It was pitiful actually, I found myself with a huge Italian/English Dictionary, dozens of index cards, and books that had a maximum of three words per page. I had 3 months to learn English as my mom enrolled me to Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. I kept working hard and watched TV constantly. The first day of school came quick, but I fit in well with the ESL kids (English as a Second Language). I slowly moved on to regular English and towards the end to advanced English. I then attended Star of the Sea School where I joined the volleyball and basketball team. I tested out of ESL there as well and became the student body president my 8th grade year. That year I played for Asics Rainbows VBC and won the JOs gold metal for the 14U group. I then graduated and went to Punahou High School, where I pursued volleyball. I made the varsity team as a freshman. Then my sophomore my high school team and I came in second at the Hawai’i High School State Championships. I received honorable mention that year. That was the year I played club volleyball with Jammers VBC and won the Las Vegas Invitational 1st place for the 17U division. My junior year my high school team and I won the ILH Championship and came in second at the State Championship, I got honorable mention and second 2nd All-tournament team. I also was given the Principal Award, an award given to only 4 students out of 437 with academic and moral achievements. My senior year my high school team and I won the ILH Championship and came in second at the State Championship, I got honorable mention, 1st All-tournament team, was selected as part of the Fab-14 in Hawai’i, was selected for the Senior All-Star game, and received the MVP award for that game. I also received the Principal’s award and the Student-Athlete Plac. My accumulative GPA for my high school career was a 3.7.

Now for the fun: my favorite color is orange….ironic i know, i love photography, making jewelry, drawing, reading, and writing.