Athlete Spotlight

Casey Pyle

Hometown Lakewood, Wash.

High School Lakes

Year Senior

Major Biology

Describe your family. How have they helped you in your athletic career?My family is really supportive. My mama and grandparents make it to every meet and game they can and are always enthusiastic about my athletics.

What made you decide to come to PLU?
There are very strong academic programs here, its close to home and family for me (my mama is an alumni), the PLU football program teaches great life skills, and the track team has given me great opportunity to grow and compete in a sport I love.

Have you studied abroad? If so, describe your experiences?
Yes I have! I spent J-Term my junior year in Hawai’i and had a wonderful experience. Polynesian cultures have been close to my heart for years and I’d performed in the Hawai’i Club’s lu’au annually, so to get to spend a month there exploring and serving was really great. My girlfriend and I started dating there and are still going strong, so the islands hold many special memories for us.

What has been your favorite class at PLU?
I’ve really enjoyed all the classes pertaining to major and minors but I must admit, I’ve had some real eye-opening experiences in my GUR Core II classes as well. The Experience of War and Gender, Sexuality, and Culture courses I took with Dr. Bret Keeling really broadened my perspective and challenged me to grow, learn, and think critically, which I think is a cornerstone of liberal arts education.

Have you had any trouble balancing athletics with academics?
As anyone can imagine, sports and academics eat up a lot of time, but the experience is worth it. I’ve become a lot better at organizing and scheduling my time to maximize my day so I can get everything done and still have some time to play.

What are you plans after college?
In the fall, I will be starting classes at UPS towards becoming a physical therapist.

When your athletic career is all said and done, what is it that you would want people to say about you?
That I was a servant warrior who loved competition and pushed his teammates and competitors towards excellence.

Describe your hometown and what you miss about it the most.
Lakewood is very interesting and diverse town. My school district was one of the most ethnically diverse in Washington, which gave me ample opportunities to learn and embrace cultures other than my own. Since Lakewood is so close to campus, I’m lucky enough to go back and hang whenever I miss it.

What is your favorite restaurant in Tacoma?
Honestly, I have three. China King Buffet, Thai Wok, and L&L Hawaiian Barbeque.

What music is playing in your ipod right now?
My favorite hits by Fiji: Warrior of Love, Darkness to Light, and If Tomorrow Never Comes.

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