MONMOUTH, Ore. – When we last saw Kaitlin Poe and the Western Oregon University soccer team, the Wolves were putting together a season for the ages that led WOU back to the GNAC Tournament and a 10-win season.
Poe stayed close to home arriving in Monmouth from just down the road at West Salem. She spent her entire collegiate career playing on the pitch for the Wolves.
Since graduating, Poe moved into her teaching profession and was able to start out right at home. Even since moving away from the area, she has remained in the state.
"Since graduation, I have started my teaching career!" Poe said. "During the pandemic, I taught a first and second grade classroom in Salem as a substitute. Once the school year ended, I moved to Bend and am looking to continue my teaching career over here!"
Imagining what the teaching world was like before the pandemic and during the pandemic has certainly changed. From having in-person classes, to moving to online learning, it was a year of adjustments.
"With the pandemic, teaching was not exactly as I thought it would be," Poe said. "I am grateful for everything I was able to learn in the unique experience that was new to everyone."
During her senior season of 2019, Poe and the Wolves reached 10 wins, the most since the program won 11 in 2002. They also reached the GNAC Tournament for the first time since 2013. Poe started all 19 games that season and was third on the team in total minutes played, logging over 1,759 minutes on the field. She recorded her first two collegiate goals, finding the back of the net against Cal State Dominguez Hills and Concordia (OR). During her career, Poe played in 59 games that included 43 starts.
"I still keep in contact with my former roommates and teammates from WOU, one of which is the new assistant coach Isabelle Creighton," Poe said. "I'm so excited to be able to stay close to the soccer program through her and be able to keep up with what's going on with the team!"
Considering that Poe finished her career playing in the GNAC Tournament against Seattle Pacific way back on Nov. 14, 2019, it's been almost two years since her final game played and already over a year since graduating during the pandemic of 2020.
"I can't believe it's been a year since graduating! Time has been flying," Poe said. "My favorite part about being a graduate is being able to experience life from a new perspective and start new adventures."
Just like several that have come before, the experiences and time spent at WOU will help carry them into the next chapter of their lives.
"Monmouth and WOU soccer will always have a special place in my heart," Poe said. "I will never forget the amazing memories I made both on and off the field."
