Senior athletes reflect on their formative experiences with high school sports at Grant.

Olivia Dunn 

(She/her) 

Softball 

Olivia Dunn, a softball captain at Grant, has been playing her sport for as long as she can remember. “When (my dad) could first put a bat in my hand, that’s how it started,” she says. 

Dunn grew up playing little league and club softball before joining the Grant team her freshman year. “I started out pretty nervous, but I had to step into a leadership role pretty early on being one of the stronger players on the team,” she says. Being a team leader as an underclassmen helped Dunn to develop more confidence in her athletic abilities as her softball career progressed. “It wasn’t just a leadership position, it was a mentor position,” she says. “I really had to grow from that role and think ‘okay, what’s working, what’s not? How can I help other people around me grow as much as I’m growing myself?’” 

Dunn always felt that softball is separated from the rest of the Portland Interscholastic sports. “I’ve never really played on campus before … It was like, I would wear the Grant jersey and do the Grant cheers, but it always felt one step removed from a school sport,” says Dunn. Despite the disconnect from the school, she still loves the softball community and enjoys playing with her team. “It’s a really good support system … you get these really passionate girls who will come out for you if you ever need anything,” she says. 

Dunn plans to continue her athletic career collegiately, playing Division 3 softball for Knox College in Illinois. “This October I finally committed, and it was a huge moment for me. It really helped me fully step into myself and my abilities … I cannot even tell you how excited I am!” 

Hadley Marshburn 

She/her 

Lacrosse 

Lacrosse has impacted Hadley Marshburn’s life in many ways, but most importantly it has made her more confident, both on and off the field. 

Marshburn’s lacrosse journey began in 4th grade when she joined Eastside Portland Lacrosse (EPL). When Marshburn played for EPL throughout elementary and middle school, she met coach Helen McDevitt. Although McDevitt has not always been Marshburn’s coach, she has

remained as a positive influence in Marshburn’s life throughout high school. “She’s definitely had a big impact on who I am as a player, and she’s given me a lot of confidence,” says Marshburn. 

Lacrosse has not only made her a more confident player, but has allowed her to find a sense of community within Grant. “I’ve met a lot of my good friends through it. Overall, it’s been a really positive experience.” 

The highlight of Marshburn’s senior season has been the team’s victory over Oregon Episcopal School (OES). “We beat OES by one point which we’ve always lost to them by a ton. So that was really exciting.” Marhsburn believes that the competitive atmosphere of this year’s team has aided them in their success. 

This is Marshburn’s 9th season playing lacrosse, but she does not plan for it to be her last. She hopes to play club lacrosse at the University of Arizona, which she will attend in the fall. 

As for advice for others who want to join the sport, Marshburn says, “Put yourself out there and try to make connections with everyone on the team and also don’t be afraid to kind of just go out and try it.” 

Gavin Hall 

(he/him) 

Golf and Cross Country 

With Frank Ocean playing in his headphones, Gavin Hall prepares himself for his upcoming golf tournament by focusing on what he loves about the sport—the peaceful atmosphere of the course and the strong team dynamic. 

Hall began playing golf in late middle school after a family friend introduced him to the sport. Alongside cross-country, Hall played golf for his first two years at Grant High School before the team shut down due to COVID-19. “Being a part of the golf team in addition to running cross country has positively affected my experience at Grant and has also made me more productive in season,” he says. 

When school returned to in-person learning for his senior year, Hall decided to continue pursuing golf. During his final season at Grant, Hall appreciated the relaxed community & the support of his coaches and teammates.

Hall feels that his sport has taught him an abundance of life lessons that apply both on and off the field. “Through golf, I have learned to improve my patience and that it is normal to be frustrated but setbacks and challenges are not worth dwelling on, ” he says. “(Golf) is very mentally difficult as well as physically.” 

This past year, the Grant Golf team was able to raise a substantial amount of money that created additional opportunities for players to compete in tournaments. “We fundraise through an online platform that donors can contribute through … we were pretty successful (this year) and it should allow for a great season next year,” he says. 

Hall plans to “bring his clubs to college” after he graduates from Grant. “I will definitely be playing for as long as I can,” he says. “I think that’s the beauty of (the sport), it doesn’t require a lot of physical ability to play and therefore people of all ages can participate.” 

As for advice for athletes considering playing golf at Grant next season, Hall says, “definitely expect how difficult the sport is and don’t get too caught up in playing poorly. Trust you can progress…if you work at it.” 

Jordan Galloway 

(He/him) 

Track and Cross Country 

When Jordan Galloway is asked how he has changed as a cross country and track athlete since freshman year he says, “It’s night and day.” 

The summer after his 8th grade year, Galloway showed up at the first track practice. “I couldn’t run 30 minutes without walking,” he says. Galloway remembers running twenty minutes and walking ten minutes, goofing off during practice and not paying attention to coaches. 

As he attended practice more consistently, Galloway’s love for the sport grew. “Seeing that progression has given me a lot of life lessons, like working hard will pay off, consistency over the long run, you know, things like that,” he says. 

Not only did track and cross country help Galloway learn to value hard work, but he also developed strong relationships with teammates. “I think that cross country, specifically, and track as well, has been really great for finding friends,” says Galloway.

Galloway’s coaches have been especially helpful to his advancement both as an athlete and as an individual. “There are not a lot of places in the world where you will get excellent free advice on anything,” he says. The life guidance Galloway received from his respected coaches gave him a new appreciation for the sport. Galloway credits many coaches on his path to success, but the names Michael Engelbert, Doug Winn and Kent Segel stand out. Galloway frequently quotes a saying from Winn (whether in reference to school or running), “I’m not perfect, but I’m pretty darn good.” 

Galloway now acts as a team leader and ambassador, helping newcomers on the team feel welcome. “(I want to) set a good enough example so that younger students can be inspired to keep working and see the payoffs that happen,” says Galloway. Committed to Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, Galloway will run Division 3 track and cross country and continue to pursue his passion.