As part of the historic Cactus Classic in Chandler, Arizona, Lake Forest College is proud to welcome back Forester alumna Tarah Oliver '04 to sing the national anthem at the football team's season opener on September 6 against Claremont-Mudd-Scripps College.

Oliver was a Forester regular during her time on campus, serving as the premiere national anthem singer across multiple sports. Known for wowing Lake Forest fans with her talent, she went on to become the lead vocalist for Contessa Blue, alongside instrumentalist David Robert Anderson. The duo records original music in Gilbert, Arizona, and Oliver's performances can be found on major streaming platforms including Spotify, YouTube, and iTunes.

Now based in the Phoenix area, Oliver continues to perform live with Contessa Blue and collaborates on recording projects throughout the Valley.

Jackie Slaats, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Career Advancement, shared her excitement for Oliver's return. "Tarah is an incredibly talented singer, and as soon as we knew we were heading to Arizona, she was the obvious choice. Having her perform the anthem adds a special Forester touch to this historic game. It's an honor to welcome her back and to celebrate with our alumni and parents as we kick off the season with true Forester spirit."

The Foresters' 2025 opener marks the first-ever NCAA Division III football game played in Arizona. With more than 50 players on the roster from the state, the match-up is both a milestone and a homecoming for the program. Lake Forest enters the season after a historic 2024 campaign, which included a 10-0 regular-season finish, the Midwest Conference championship, and a run to the second round of the NCAA Division III Playoffs for the first time in program history.

The game will be played at Hamilton High School in Chandler, Arizona, with kickoff set for 6 p.m. (MST).

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