I was also amazed about the amount of opportunities within research that were available to the students...
Name: Chase Ellis
Class year: 2026
Major: Pre-professional zoology
Why did you choose Ohio Wesleyan?
I chose Ohio Wesleyan because after doing an overnight visit I felt like a part of the community already. I was also amazed about the amount of opportunities within research that were available to the students, which is something I really wanted to be a part of.
Why did you choose your major?
I chose my major because of my passion for animals and my curiosity to discover the unknown. Ever since I've been little I've enjoyed being around animals, which led to my want to learn more about them.
Which is your favorite event?
50-yard freestyle
What is your favorite memory on an Ohio Wesleyan team?
My favorite memory was getting out of the water after anchoring the 400 medley relay that broke the school record. Getting out and seeing smiling and cheering faces is something I'll never forget. I'm very thankful for the opportunity I got to swim with the seniors from last year.
Do you have any pre-event rituals or superstitions?
Before an event I like to get into my own little world and focus only on my lane and my race. I also visualize the race to plan how I'm going to swim it so by the time I'm in the water, my body is ahead of my mind and I'm able to race to my fullest potential.
What is your number one goal, personal or team, for this season?
My goal for this season is to beat the 200-yard freestyle record and get my name on the record board a second time.
What event/sport other than your own would you like to try?
I would love to try volleyball as a secondary sport.
What did you do in your OWU Connection internship? Which experience(s) were the most memorable, and how did they affect you?
Over the past summer I interned at the Ohio State Museum of Biological Diversity. While I was there I worked with Marc Kibbey to learn about how museums impact the field of science by providing samples over a range of time and space to see how a species has changed. I also learned about how the museum functions on a daily basis and how new collections of specimens are collected and processed into the museum. Overall, the internship let me learn about a new perspective on science and expanded my knowledge on possible career paths within zoology.
What is your favorite place to eat in Delaware, and what is your go-to dish there?
My favorite place in Delaware is Typhoon and my usual order is splitting a variety of sushi with my mom.
What is your ideal travel destination?
My ideal travel location is either South America somewhere in the Amazon rain forest or Northern Australia to experience the unique wildlife.
What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a student-athlete?
My advice would be that being an athlete should never limit you. If you came to college with a passion in mind then pursue it non-stop and utilize the resources available. Being an athlete doesn't mean you can't do what you love. Don't be afraid to try new things and jump on any and every opportunity that comes your way.
What is your favorite book and why?
My favorite book is "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. After reading it I feel like I have a better control on my life and I have the tools to change myself for the better.
