Sherman senior signs with Linfield for track and field

A senior from Sherman County School's Class of 2024 has announced her intention to join Linfield University's track and field team next year.

Senior Sophie Hulke signed a letter of intent Friday, March 1, to join the team at Linfield for the 2024-25 school year. Linfield University is a private college located in McMinnville, Oregon.

Hulke currently holds the Sherman County School record in the discus, previously held by 1999 Sherman graduate Kara (Blagg) Lanthorn of Grass Valley.

Coach Samantha Smith said Hulke also competes in the javelin and shot put events and the occasional relay. She was instrumental in helping the Sherman girls track team capture the district title in 2023, Smith said.

"It's been a pleasure to coach her over the last four years, and I'm excited that her passion for the sport of track and field will continue as she competes for Linfield," she said. "I'm looking forward to seeing what she will be able to do with her events at the next level, and I wish her all the best."

Sophie Hulke's mother Kimi Hulke said her daughter wants to study education and has plans to teach elementary school after college. She has been offered an academic scholarship, as Linfield is a Division 3 school and does not specifically offer athletic scholarships.

Kimi Hulke said Sophie's specialty is discus, and she has been the 1A Champion for two years in a row and is going after her third championship this year.

The throwing coach at Linfield is excited to train her on the hammer because she thinks Sophie will excel at it, Kimi Hulke said. She added that in Oregon, you can only throw the hammer during high school if you participate in club track, which wasn't an option at Sherman because there isn't an official track club close enough.

Sophie Hulke said she's very excited about her future at Linfield.

"I'm looking forward to finishing up my senior year strong, and I'm honored to continue track and field at Linfield," Sophie Hulke said.