(Golf) offered an instant community that would help me to transition into college...
Meet the Bishops: Get to know a little about Brittany Miller of the Ohio Wesleyan women's golf team.
Name: Brittany Miller
Class Year: Senior
Major: Sociology/Anthropology and Fine Arts: Art History
How/Why did you choose Ohio Wesleyan?
At the time, I had already planned to dual major, which is something Ohio Wesleyan promotes well. Additionally, my primary interests of study were economics and politics & government. The economics department and the Woltemade Center at Ohio Wesleyan is one of the best in the country. Coming in, I was accepted into their EMF program, which would have put me at the center of these resources and opportunities. I also knew quite a few people that were already at and were to attend OWU, which gave me a sense of comfort.
How/Why did you choose your major?
Although I came in my freshman year expecting to focus my education in economics and politics and government, I quickly realized that that was not the best way for me to instill the change that I would hope to see in the future. It did not excite me. So in my second semester, I broadened my course load to include both a sociology and art history course, and I was hooked. Both, sociology/anthropology and art history are records for sociocultural climates and a public discourse for the collective consciousness, and I knew this was the footprint I wanted to leave on my community. Even better, I had gained another community of peers both students and faculty.
Why did you choose to compete in sports at Ohio Wesleyan?
I was not ready for my competitive golf career to be over. It also offered a instant community that would help me to transition into college. I have made a couple of lifelong friends on this team.
What is your favorite memory on an Ohio Wesleyan team?
Living with my teammates was one of the best experiences that I have had at this university, although (it was) paired with its challenges. It can be a lot of time together practicing, traveling, playing, and living with one another, however it can help you to grow individually and together. They gave me a support system when I was struggling in other aspects of my life. It taught me cooperation, patience, and empathy, and they helped hold me accountable personally, athletically, and academically.
Do you have any pre-event rituals or superstitions?
Two, and they are absolutely true and you cannot convince me otherwise. They both started in high school. The first is a particular partner shoulder stretch that I have to do before taking a single full swing. And the same individual has to be the one to help with the stretch, because they are the best at it. The second is hitting too well on the range, it is as if you are hitting so well during warm up it can only go downhill from there.
Which three people, living or dead, would you like to share a meal with?
Arnold Palmer, my grandma, and Peter Max.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Golf is a lifelong sport that you will never master.
When you're having a bad day, what do you do to make yourself feel better?
On the course, the key for me is to remember that this is only one bad day. Once I take that pressure off of myself, I am able to get out of my mental tailspin. Golf is a game of muscle memory, and when you are having a bad day 90% of the time it is in your head and the other 10% it is course management.
What are your three favorite movies?
Pride and Prejudice, Stick It, and the Legend of Bagger Vance.
by Madison Bridger '21
