Perfect Match
Alexe Navarro ’17 shares why she journeyed from Hawai‘i to play volleyball and study at Lewis & Clark.
The environment at Lewis & Clark encourages student-athletes to achieve their full potential both in and out of the classroom. Small class sizes, freedom to pursue more than one sport, and support for extracurricular and cocurricular activities are our hallmarks.
Volleyball player Alexe Navarro ’17 is a great example of how successful our student-athletes can be. In just her second year, Navarro—who came to Lewis & Clark from Honolulu, Hawai‘i—was named to the Northwest Conference All-Conference Second Team. She ranked 13th in the nation for digs per set with an average of 6.01 a match.
Why did you decide on Lewis & Clark?
Initially, I was interested in attending Lewis & Clark for volleyball. However, I also fell in love with the campus after visiting and realizing how beautiful it is here.
How do you balance volleyball with your academics?
Coach Stacie Matz really enforces academics before athletics. Playing volleyball is a privilege—if I want to be able to play, I have to perform well academically. The professors on campus are also very caring and nice, and are always willing to help.
How has your participation in Pioneer athletics enhanced your Lewis & Clark education?
Being a student-athlete has helped me to become a well-rounded person and teaches me to manage my time well. When I am not working out or practicing for volleyball, I’m usually doing homework or studying. I feel that I am prepared for life after college because I’ve had to balance important priorities.
What are your future goals?
I’m thinking about becoming a teacher and also a coach.
What advice would you give to future student-athletes?
Professors at Lewis & Clark want you to succeed academically. And if you are willing to put in the time and effort, you will succeed. Committing yourself to good communication with your professors will definitely help you, too.
What advice would you give to other students from Hawai`i looking to venture out of state for college?
Attending a college outside of Hawai‘i has been the best experience of my life. Some of the friendships I’ve made here will stay with me forever. There is a huge difference in the cultures of the mainland and Hawai‘i, and I think it’s definitely worth experiencing that. The world is bigger than it once seemed to me—and I hope to explore more of it one day.
What are your favorite moments so far at Lewis & Clark, both on the court and off?
During my first year, we beat Whitworth twice in five sets. That has been my favorite moment on the court. Off the court, it was when I bonded with my teammates at our coach’s house. I really enjoyed talking with them around the bonfire while roasting marshmallows.
