...I knew I wanted a small school where I could easily get help from my professors.
Name: Siarra Hoover
Class Year: 2024
Majors: Special education, psychology
Why did you choose Ohio Wesleyan?
I chose Ohio Wesleyan because of the small class sizes and welcoming sports teams. I come from a small high school, so I knew I wanted a small school where I could easily get help from my professors. Also, I loved the athletes and coaches that I met on my visits to OWU. I knew after one or two visits that OWU is where I wanted to be.
Why did you choose your major?
I have always been interested in people with disabilities because I have an older brother that is diagnosed with Cri du Chat. Working with children with disabilities has always been something I'm passionate about. When I started working at the summer day camp that I still work at, it confirmed that I wanted to be a special education teacher or intervention specialist.
Why did you choose to compete in sports at Ohio Wesleyan?
Sports have always been such a large part of my life because both my parents were athletes in high school and my mom was a collegiate track athlete. I have grown up around running as my parents both still run and have been swimming for ten years. It was not going to be easy to give one or both up while making the transition to college.
What is your favorite memory on an Ohio Wesleyan team?
My favorite memory so far is getting a picture at every track meet with Addystin Lykins and Liberty Brock. We always got so excited if we all got to run together at a meet and made sure to take a picture at every meet, rain or shine.
Do you have any pre-event rituals or superstitions?
Before almost every track meet, I make sure to pray because it calms me and is comforting. I always take fruit snacks to swim and track meets to eat in between events for a quick snack.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to get a teaching job hopefully at a middle or high school. I don't know where I will end up, but right now, I like the sound of staying in Ohio, but you never know where you could end up.
What is your spirit animal and why?
My spirit animal is a dolphin because they always seem to be care-free and so happy no matter the time of day or circumstance.
by Michaela Alfano '25
