The campus is beautiful and small, with an amazing community...
Name: Marge Grote
Class year: 2023
Major: Biology
Why did you choose Ohio Wesleyan?
I chose OWU for a multitude of reasons. The campus is beautiful and small, with an amazing community, exactly what I was looking for in a college. My swim coach, Richard Hawes, and cheerleading coach, Ruth Shuster, also played large roles in sparking my interest in Ohio Wesleyan.
How/why did you choose your major?
I began at OWU interested in the health and human kinetics program, but as I took courses in various concentrations, I got to explore different topics of interest. I landed on biology when I realized that I wanted to go into health care to become a nurse.
Why did you choose to compete in sports at Ohio Wesleyan?
I chose to compete in sports here because I have been an athlete all my life. Ohio Wesleyan gave me the opportunity to continue my career while also being able to focus on my schooling and social life.
What is your number one goal, personal or team, for this season?
I'm very excited to see what my team can do at conference this year! The whole team did amazing at our midseason (Corbiere-Merion) invitational. We have lots of new and returning talent and I think lots of personal records (and even maybe a few records) can be broken this season!
What athletic or academic achievement/accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am really grateful to have been made captain of both the cheerleading and swim teams.
What did you do to put yourself in position to achieve that?
I always try to come into practices ready to work hard with a positive attitude, and to push my teammates to be the best they can be, whether in the pool or on the mat.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I plan on traveling and working for a while, followed by nursing school.
How do you balance cheerleading and swimming?
Both sports have been a part of my life for 16 years now so I've really got the hang of balancing time between the two. Luckily, practice times don't overlap and I'm grateful my coaches and teammates have been so understanding about my love for both sports, allowing me to balance time between meets and games.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Invisibility!
What is your theme song?
I Like It - Enrique Iglesias
If you could visit another time, when would it be and why?
I would visit the 1920s because of the fun reputation the Roaring '20s have! All of my favorite tv shows take place in the '20s and I’d love to witness all the history made during those times!
by Michaela Alfano '25
