How future physical therapist Haley Goto ’26 keeps herself and others moving forward
Image: Haley is a Kinesiology major with multifaceted campus involvement and rigorous external commitments, Saturday, Mar. 14, 2026, at PLU (PLU Photo/ Tina Gianoulas).
By Britt Board
Assistant Director of Communications
Before talking about achievements or next steps, Haley Goto ’26 foregrounds the people who made her journey possible.
“I am most thankful for my parents who have never stopped supporting me and are always there on call,” Haley says. “To my friends, teammates, coaches, and the kinesiology community, thank you for being here at PLU with me, living this life with me.”
This sentiment echoes Haley’s time at PLU. Over the past four years, she has built a college career defined not just by achievement, but by people. She found communities in many spaces – through Nā Hoaloha O Hawai’i Club, the women’s volleyball team, internships, interactions with patients, study away, and more.
A kinesiology major (pre-physical therapy concentration) with a sport and exercise psychology minor, Haley will graduate 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,” she says.
Haley’s confidence in her PT path comes from hands-on experience. She volunteered for two summers at CORE Sports Physical Therapy, one summer at Fukuji & Lum Physical Therapy, and another summer at Epik Chiro. One moment at Fukuji & Lum stands out as a clear confirmation that she was heading in the right direction.
To my friends, teammates, coaches, and the kinesiology community, thank you for being here at PLU with me, living this life with me.
“At Fukuji & Lum Physical Therapy, I got to volunteer at both the outpatient clinic and at aquatic therapy,” she recalls. “I remember sitting next to the water, talking to patients, not even about therapy, but it was nice making connections with different people.” It was work that blended skill-building with the human side of care — the exact combination that drives her future goals.
She brought that same intention to her volunteer service. After studying away during J-Term in England for Charlie Katica’s Adaptive Physical Activity class, she came back energized to continue working with adaptive and inclusive sports.
Her time abroad was a meaningful extension of her learning. “We were able to meet Paralympic athletes and visit schools like Loughborough University, where there’s a wide range of professional to recreational sports,” Haley says. She credits the experience for informing the perspective she hopes to bring to her career. “I want to bring an open mind and strive to create spaces with better accessibility and more awareness and knowledge about disabilities.”
A volleyball player for four years, culminating in her senior year as team captain, Haley’s leadership on the court was also all about support. “My teammates are like family,” she says. “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.”
Her leadership extended beyond athletics and volunteerism. As 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,” she says. “I am grateful and proud to have been able to help restart the club with the other officers.”
Haley’s PLU journey began with a combination of opportunity and belonging. “I was able to receive the Presidential Scholarship, and that was definitely a strong reason as to why I chose to come to PLU,” she says. “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!”
She found exactly what she hoped for: a campus that felt close-knit, familiar, and supportive.
Asked what she would want to carry forward from PLU into her life and career, she says, “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.”