...I met with the swimmers a few times and I always felt welcome and could already see myself here...
Name: Josephine Stark
Class year: 2025
Major: Biochemistry with a politics and government minor
Why did you choose Ohio Wesleyan?
As I was narrowing down my college search, OWU had all my non-negotiables and stayed on the list until the very end. The last two schools I was narrowed down to, though, it came down to the team. I met with the swimmers a few times and I always felt welcome and could already see myself here. We also have a great program and (I) didn't hear anything bad about the coaches.
Why did you choose your major?
I love science! I actually originally came in as a high school science education (major), but as I took the more in-depth courses I realized I wanted to keep studying and asking questions at an advanced level. I want to stay in the field of biochemistry research or attend grad school.
Why did you choose to compete in sports at Ohio Wesleyan?
I genuinely just love my sport. There has never been a time in my life where I wasn't in the water, and I don't think there ever will be. I also knew I wanted to go to a small school, so why wouldn't I want to contribute to the team while attending university? During my campus visit, I watched an intrasquad meet. Everyone I talked to was inviting and I could already see myself belonging.
Which is your favorite event/competition?
The Corbiere/Merion Invitational is our midseason meet right before Thanksgiving break. We host it on campus and it is a great opportunity to swim fast! We rest for the meet so we aren't sore and we put on speed suits. There is always great energy from the team at that invite because we have been working hard and the results show it.
Do you have any pre-event rituals or superstitions?
My favorite pre-meet ritual is the team cheer. It's high-energy, fun, and you get to yell out some of the nerves. One superstition that I have is that if you don't bring extra goggles and cap to a meet, they will definitely break so I always carry at LEAST three pairs with me.
What are your strengths as an athlete (as an individual)?
I will swim any event, not just because I am a team player, but also because (as my teammates and coach would tell you) I have intense positivity and I love competing and trying new things.
What athletic or academic achievement/accomplishment are you most proud of? What did you do to put yourself in position to achieve that?
Last year I was asked to attend the Dale Bruce Scholar-Athlete Awards Dinner. It was such an honor to attend the event, listen to the speakers, and see some of the other student-athletes and faculty that were working as hard as I was. I will definitely keep that experience as a reminder of what can come from hard work and it is my goal to be invited back while I am attending OWU.
Is there a specific coach or teammate who has helped you get where you are?
Coach (Richard) Hawes has been amazing in supporting me academically. He is understanding when a lab period runs long, or homework needs to be done, and allows time for makeup practices. Not many coaches offer as much grace and understanding as Coach Hawes and I am so grateful for all his kind words and encouragement.
What is your favorite place to eat in Delaware, and what is your go-to dish there?
This may be basic but I am a sucker for Pulp Juice and Smoothie Bar. I love the protein packer, with peanut butter, banana, chocolate, and protein powder. It is definitely my go-to special treat for myself.
Which three people, living or dead, would you like to share a meal with?
My mom, myself from the future, and my dad. We are great conversationalists.
What is your ideal travel destination?
Somewhere warm with a place to hike and hammock.
What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a student-athlete?
You will spend a lot of time with the team and coaches inside AND outside of scheduled practice times so make friends and be yourself. You will face challenges that will grow you physically and mentally and you will definitely have to work on your time management skills. Make sure you define what your priorities are and you will be just fine.
What is your favorite book and why?
"The Colour of Magic" by Terry Pratchett. It is a fantasy book about a wizard that flunked out of magic school. It's very funny and I have read it twice.
