Portland Pilots soccer players Joe Highfield and Violet Rademacher have been awarded the 2025-26 Fr. Chester Prusynski Student-Athletes of the Year. This honor recognizes the standout male and female student-athletes from the past academic year in Pilot Athletics. Highfield contributed significantly to the Pilots' strong season of 14-2-4, which included a trip to the Elite Eight. He led the team in scoring while Rademacher's defensive skills propelled her team to a 10-3-6 record and a second-place finish in the WCC.

By the Numbers
  • Highfield scored 11 goals and made 5 assists for a total of 27 points, ranking second in the WCC.
  • Rademacher played 1,710 minutes and scored 7 goals, leading her team to a .632 goals against average, 17th in the nation.
State of Play
  • Highfield became the 11th overall pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft.
  • Rademacher made history as the first scholar All-American for Portland since 2009.
What's Next

With both athletes' impressive performances, they are expected to advance their careers further, possibly at professional levels in soccer. Their continuing impact on the Pilot program will likely influence recruitment and team performance in the coming years.

Bottom Line

Highfield and Rademacher’s recognition underscores the strength of the Portland Pilots athletics program and sets a high standard for future student-athletes. Their achievements not only highlight individual talent but also the overall growth and competitiveness of Pilot Athletics.