...being able to do two sports while balancing school is something I really wanted to do to stay involved.
Name: Ireland Nowak
Class Year: 2024
Major: Pre-professional zoology on pre-veterinary medicine track, minors in chemistry and Spanish.
How/Why did you choose Ohio Wesleyan?
I thought the campus was very welcoming, coming from so far away (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), and my major's program is amazing! Also, I run track here and being able to do two sports while balancing school is something I really wanted to do to stay involved. I knew both teams would be a great fit for me as well as the coaches! Ohio is also really different from California and knowing I would have real seasons was a plus!
How/why did you choose your major?
Ever since I was in kindergarten, I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian (and) have been on the path to becoming one, so I knew the pre-professional zoology major would cover all my classes I needed to be successful in applying to vet school. Working at an equine hospital has made me fall in love with the profession even more! Since I have to take so many chemistry classes, I thought it would be a good idea to take one more and get the chemistry minor. Spanish has always been a favorite class of mine (and) being able to take it each semester has been so enjoyable.
Why did you choose to compete in sports at Ohio Wesleyan?
I chose to compete in sports at OWU because I love playing and until I have to become an adult fully (haha). I wanted to stay connected to the sports I grew up with! Playing sports in college is also a great way to relieve stress after classes and escape from the academic side of school to have a little fun with my teammates and compete because I am super competitive.
Do you have any pre-event rituals or superstitions?
Before every game I listen to a playlist my dad and I created years ago for when we drove to soccer tournaments together. Ever since, I listen to it before every game to get in the right mindset.
How/why did you choose your event/position?
Even when I first started playing soccer, I had an eye for the goal so ever since I have been an attacking player. Running track has also helped me with my speed, so all my coaches have always put me either as a striker or a winger.
Why do you like your event/position?
Being on the wing lets me use my speed to drive down line, send crosses in, or take people on 1v1, which is a pretty big variety! It also allows me to play in a little piece of every part of the field. I love sprinting down the field to send in a cross or take a shot as well, the rush is so fun!
What are your strengths as an athlete (as an individual)?
I think my biggest strengths are my speed and endurance on the field. Not many people expect it, so it's fun to start sprinting with the ball and see all the defenders freak out! I also love running, so running up and down the field to me is an adrenaline rush! I am also a super competitive player, so that has always pushed me to work hard in every game.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
I think being able to shape shift would be pretty cool since you could change into any animal you want and try out different abilities they have.
What is your favorite place to eat in Delaware, and what is your go-to dish there?
One of my favorite places to eat in Delaware is Mi Cerrito. I love getting the grilled chicken quesadilla after a night game with my roommate/teammate and her family!
Which reality show would you like to star on and why?
I don't watch much reality TV, but Fixer Upper would be fun to design and build houses with a fun group of people. That show has always been a favorite of mine.
by Michaela Alfano '25
