Stacey (Springer) Glaze was a four-year starter for the Linfield softball team from 1999 until 2002. She appeared in 147 games, starting 146 of them at shortstop. As a senior, she led Linfield with nine stolen bases. She ranks among the top 10 in career at-bats, runs scored, stolen bases and defensive assists. A native of Hillsboro, Ore., Stacey graduated from Linfield in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in health education.

Where are you currently living and what are you up to?
I live in North Plains, Oregon, with my husband of almost five years, Marcus Glaze, and my 2-year-old daughter, Allison Rose.  I'm in my eighth year as a teacher in the Hillsboro School District, teaching 7th and 8th grade language arts at a new middle school, South Meadows, in Hillsboro.

What lessons did you learn at Linfield that have helped you in the field of education?
That relationships are what matter. No student is going to thrive academically in my classroom if he or she does not feel that I am human and I care about him or her. I always felt that my professors were sincere and truly cared about my success. As a result, I usually try to build in a moment at least once a day where I'm just vocalizing an emotion about my day (be it good or bad) that my students might find some connection with.

Your family has a rich history of athletic excellence at Linfield. How much does Linfield mean to your family and what is that bond like?
Yes, there is a strong bond in our family regarding our athletic experiences at Linfield.  My father, Mike, played on the 1971 national championship baseball team, while my sister, Heidi, and I both played softball, although years apart from each other, she and I got to share certain teammates who were in between us in age.  We have good memories of the great group of coaches that we played under.  I'm always hearing about some Linfield connection when we get together as a family, mainly from my dad who has an incredible memory combined with an undying interest in those who competed, or still do, at Linfield.  Whenever I hear of someone thinking about attending Linfield and participating in athletics, I respond with excitement because I remember the great experience that I had.  As a family, we run into ex-athletes from Linfield in different places, and inevitably it turns into an hour-long conversation reminiscing some aspect of the invaluable character traits or life lessons that unfolded by playing at Linfield.  We share the feeling that if given the opportunity to re-live our college experience, we would do it all again and still choose Linfield.

What's your fondest memory as a Linfield softball player?
It would be the little, mundane activities like simply warming up by jogging the circumference of the softball field as a team before practice started.  Or playing catch with my good friend, Gretchen (Reiner) Miller, as we secretly hoped to impress the other with our quick infield throws. I will also remember my last home game as a senior, when it brought my dad to tears to see the last of our family move on. The athletes that played at Linfield during my years also make up some wonderful memories as we laughed, cried, and shared many aspects of life together. (Oh, and one more memory just appeared in my mind... the van rides to away games.  There was always some new, inside joke to be made while sitting like sardines after a sweaty, hard-fought win.)

What makes Linfield such a great place to play sports?
The balance of being competitive, yet still focusing on academics. You could feel as "die-hard" as you wanted at any given moment, knowing that the competition was tough and it would be your last opportunity to play at that level. Sporting events at Linfield always had a small-town feel, too. It was fun to go to class after a great doubleheader over the weekend and have your professor say what an amazing play he saw you make on Saturday.

How often do you still keep in touch with the Linfield softball program?
I mostly keep track of their season online. Whenever my old softball buddies and I get together, we always catch up on the latest news involving the softball team.  I can't wait to take my daughter to a game very soon.