...competing here would allow me to continue to build on my athlete accomplishments and give me the opportunity to achieve my goals as a runner.
Name: Katelyn Stapleton
Class year: 2025
Major: Inclusive elementary education
Why did you choose Ohio Wesleyan?
I chose OWU for the small class sizes, beautiful campus, and the opportunities that I had as an athlete.
Why did you choose your major?
I chose my major because of my love for kids and my desire to give all kids the opportunity to learn and achieve to their highest potential.
Why did you choose to compete in sports at Ohio Wesleyan?
I chose to compete in sports at OWU because of the coaches. Specifically, I felt as though my head coach was attentive to my needs as an athlete and was very personable to my training. I felt as though competing here would allow me to continue to build on my athlete accomplishments and give me the opportunity to achieve my goals as a runner.
Which is your favorite event?
My favorite event is the 400.
What are your strengths as an athlete (as an individual)?
My first strength that I have as an athlete is that I am a very competitive person and am not afraid to put myself out there and compete. Being competitive also helps me make sure that every time I race, I am not limiting myself because of a PR or past performance. Which I believe sets the stage for success and can help unlock doors you thought could never be opened. Another strength I have is confidence. I have been in this sport for a long time and have been fortunate enough to have gained many experiences, both good and bad. This knowledge and these experiences have helped me be a leader for my team here at OWU and given me the chance to grow as an athlete and push myself to new levels. My final strength is my ability to self-reflect. I think the best way to learn and grow in running, and truly anything, is by being able to acknowledge failures and aspects that could be improved upon. Being able to do has allowed for me to grow as an athlete and will continue to help me achieve my goals.
What athletic or academic achievement/accomplishment are you most proud of? What did you do to put yourself in position to achieve that?
The athletic achievement that I am most proud is being a part of two state championship track and field teams in high school. In that, I was also a part of two state championship relays. To put myself in the position to achieve this, I developed a close relationship with my teammates and believed I was capable of bigger things. There is power in a shared and unified goal, and these relationships are what helped drive and enable me to achieve that. Additionally, we had a shared belief that we shouldn’t put a limit on what we could achieve, all we needed to do was put ourselves out there and compete.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
The ability to fly
What is your favorite place to eat in Delaware, and what is your go-to dish there?
My favorite place to eat in Delaware is Amato’s Woodfired Pizza. And my go-to dish is their Five Cheese Pizza.
Which three people, living or dead, would you like to share a meal with?
Allison Felix, Bruno Mars, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC)
What is your favorite place you have traveled to as an OWU student-athlete?
My favorite place that I have traveled to as an OWU student-athlete was the University of Kentucky, specifically their track & field facility. This was an incredible opportunity, because it was so special to be able to run on the same track as some of the greatest athletes (specifically females) in track & field history. It was also an opportunity that not many get to experience and I am so grateful that I got the chance to be a part of it.
What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a student-athlete?
My advice for someone considering becoming a student athlete is to go for it. It never hurts to go out and try it. Especially because these are some of the last 4 years that you have to compete and have fun at this level. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and can give you memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Additionally, OWU does a great job respecting and understanding the balance between academics and athletics. The balance of both is very manageable and there are lots of resources for you if you do find yourself struggling.
