Running with Purpose

Most afternoons, exercise science major Liam Christensen ’27 can be found sprinting around the track as part of Linfield University’s track and field team. But for Liam, the focus isn’t solely on the finish line — it’s on making the most of the experience, both on and off the track.  

Journey to becoming a Wildcat

Originally from Galston, Australia, and now calling Fall City, Washington, home, Liam came to Linfield as a dual-sport athlete.

While he was recruited heavily for his baseball and football skills, he did not receive the same level of attention for track and field.

There was one exception.

“Coach Olson was the only coach who reached out for track,” he recalled. “It was tandem recruiting between both football and track from Linfield.”

That opportunity to compete in both sports made Linfield stand out — but it wasn’t the only reason.

“One of the main reasons I committed to Linfield was the support I received for wanting to play two sports in college,” he said. “But an even bigger reason was that it was my mum’s alma mater.”

Moments that defined the path

Once on campus, Liam embraced the opportunity to explore. He balanced football and track, academics and leadership roles.

“I’ve been able to experience a lot of different paths here,” he said. “That’s helped me figure out where I can grow the most.”

He eventually decided to step away from football to focus on track, where he found much more in himself than athletic skill.

“I was having a slow start to my sophomore season, but in the second-to-last meet I ran a huge personal best,” he said. “Once I crossed the finish line, I heard two of my closest friends screaming and sprinting over to me to congratulate me.”

It’s one example of the team culture he’s found at Linfield.

“I would do anything for any person on this team, and I know that feeling is reciprocated,” he said. “It is unconditional support, throwing their arm around you, weathering the storm with you and celebrating you when you finally have that breakthrough.”

The unexpected

That same sense of community has shaped his leadership off the track.

In spring 2026, he was elected president-elect for Linfield's student government, ASLU.

“I had many people approach me about running for a position. And as more people approached me about it, the more I considered the opportunity,” he said.

While he hadn’t originally considered serving as ASLU president, he decided to follow this path into campus leadership.

“It felt like everyone was trusting me with their ideas. That made me realize it was not about me, but it was about every student’s experience,” he said. “I am fortunate that I have the opportunity to represent the student body.”

How growth took shape

If involvement in ASLU and athletics weren’t enough, Liam continues to make the most of his Linfield experience by finding new ways to be involved on campus. This includes participation in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, tutoring other students and serving as a teaching assistant.

He balances all this activity through faith and organization.

“I spend every day reading my bible and praying, which always helps keep my mind calm and helps everything else become manageable, because God is always with me,” he said.

“I utilize a to-do list every day where I write down all my tasks and classes throughout the day, and before I move on with my day, I have to have every box checked off,” he said. “But I also honestly really enjoy the busy lifestyle. I quickly realize how grateful I am to be so busy and have all these opportunities.”

From exploration to focus

Looking ahead, Liam’s goals extend beyond times and titles.

“I want to win the 100m at the conference championship,” he said. “But even more importantly, I want to try and help my teammates realize that they are all worth more than their contribution to a sport, worth more than their performance.”

It’s similar to what he hopes to accomplish as ASLU president.

“I want to encourage others to be active in multiple things while being cautious not to spread themselves too thin,” he says. “Don't necessarily just stick to one path through all four years at Linfield. Expand and find new opportunities everywhere.”

His own journey reflects that belief — learning through experience, staying grounded in his faith and making the most of every opportunity along the way.