Student Spotlight: Kinesiology major Haley Goto

Each spring and summer, PLU recognizes seniors from across campus – we reflect with them about their experiences, celebrate their accomplishments, and cheer them on as they make plans and take their next steps after graduating from PLU.

In this 2026 student spotlight series, we’re sharing some of these students with you!

Meet Haley Goto '26

Hometown: Honolulu, HI
Major & Minor: Kinesiology (Pre-Physical Therapy concentration) major and Sport & Exercise Psychology minor

How she chose PLU

“I was able to receive the Presidential Scholarship, and that was definitely a strong reason as to why I chose to come to PLU. Everything seemed to fit together. There were the health sciences, I am not too far from home, there’s a large community from Hawai’i, and I could play volleyball here!”

Getting Involved

Haley played on the PLU volleyball team for four years and was part of Kinesiologists of the Future Club and the Nā Hoaloha O Hawai’i Club.

Her senior year, Haley served as volleyball team captain. “My teammates are like family. For me personally, I have never been particularly good with words, so I tried to lead by example and by supporting my teammates and fellow senior captains.”

Co-president of the Kinesiologists of the Future Club since spring 2025, she helped rebuild the club and strengthen its visibility on campus. “We just made a full year of the club’s return, and we are still working on expanding and engaging with PLU and the surrounding community more. I am grateful and proud to have been able to help restart the club with the other officers.”

Hands-on Experience as a Kinesiology major

Haley volunteered for two summers at CORE Sports Physical Therapy, one summer at Fukuji & Lum Physical Therapy, and another summer at Epik Chiro, all in Hawai’i.
“At Fukuji & Lum Physical Therapy, I got to volunteer at both the outpatient clinic and at aquatic therapy. I remember sitting next to the water, talking to patients, not even about therapy, but it was nice making connections with different people.”

Haley also had the opportunity to study abroad – she took an Adaptive Physical Activity class taught by Kinesiology professor, Dr. Katica, in England during PLU’s January-Term. “We were able to meet Paralympic athletes and visit schools like Loughborough University, where there’s a wide range of professional to recreational sports.”

What’s Next

Haley graduates with acceptances to Doctor of Physical Therapy programs at both the University of Washington and Pacific University. “I have decided to continue my education in physical therapy school. I want to bring an open mind and strive to create spaces with better accessibility and more awareness and knowledge about disabilities.”

“I am most thankful for my parents who have never stopped supporting me and are always there on call. To my friends, teammates, coaches, and the kinesiology community, thank you for being here at PLU with me, living this life with me.”

What Haley plans to carry forward from PLU

“I think I would want to bring this feeling of closeness and comfort. One thing that is nice about PLU is that no matter where you go, you always know someone. I hope to be someone who makes those around them feel comfortable and happy.”

Adapted from the PLU News Article, ‘How future physical therapist Haley Goto ’26 keeps herself and others moving forward’ by Britt Board, Assistant Director of Communications