TACOMA, Wash. - Throughout the rest of the semester, GoLutes.com will profile the Pacific Lutheran University senior student-athletes involved in spring sports that had their seasons cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today's installment features PLU women's basketball & tennis student-athlete Kylie Rademacher.

Kylie Rademacher's experience on the women's basketball and women's tennis teams will continue to guide her life after graduation. She believes athletics has touched every aspect of her identity.
 
Above all, athletics have prepared Rademacher to excel in both her personal life and future professional career as a teacher. Sports taught her to fight. When she faces a challenge, the incredible work ethic created by years of training kicks in and helps her overcome the obstacle.
 
However, Rademacher also realized that she doesn't have to fight alone.
 
"Sports have taught me that it is okay to be vulnerable, to ask for help, and to lean on others," Rademacher said. "Athletics have made me more empathic, granting me an understanding that I will take with me into my home, relationships, and any classroom that I teach."
 
A large part of this realization stems from Rademacher's close relationships with her coaches and teammates. She is grateful to have coaches who challenged and supported her, and teammates whose impact will last much longer than the past four years they've spent together. 
 

Hometown: Enumclaw, Wash.

Highlights: 18 wins in singles play 2-1 doubles record in 2020 Two-sport star (basketball)

Rademacher became a leader in the athletic community as a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and the Lutes Lead program. Through these organizations, Rademacher gained new perspectives and learned how to best lead others.
 
"Athletics have prepared me to lead others confidently, to listen and to serve, to communicate and to love endlessly," Rademacher said.
 
"I have been blessed by some pretty incredible coaches and teammates over the past four years. Incredible people who have challenged me, loved me, and supported me in all capacities of my life. My teammates and coaches have helped shape me into the person I am today, they have impacted my life over the last four years and will continue to impact my life because they will forever be a part of it!"
 
While athletics has been a huge part of Rademacher's identity, the Enumclaw, Washington native fondly remembers "Staying up late doing puzzles, making cookies, and watching 'This Is Us' with my housemates."
 
On the hardwood, Rademacher played in 94 games for the Lutes. On the tennis court, she picked up 18 wins in singles play while earning eight wins in doubles play over the past two seasons with doubles partner and fellow two-sport athlete Lauren Kearney.
 
"Kylie is a natural born leader who is seen by her peers as a motivator, committed to fitness and improving her tennis skills," said Head Coach Cheri Campbell. "Although her tennis experience is limited, (basketball is her primary sport) she consistently earns a spot in the top 6 primarily because of her athleticism and no-quit attitude."
 
An Elementary Education major with a minor in Kinesiology, Rademacher hopes to use her education and athletic experience to enrich the lives of underprivileged students.
 
Still a student herself, Rademacher described a moment of panic when she attempted to change a paper to 12 size font but accidentally typed 12,222, crashed her entire computer, and had to email her professor an explanation. Soon, Rademacher will be on the other side of that email, laughing and helping her students grow as leaders and individuals.