...Ohio Wesleyan was the only university that had the perfect blend of athletics and academics along with an extremely beautiful campus and surrounding city.
Name: Liberty Brock
Class year: 2024
Majors: Botany and environmental science
Why did you choose Ohio Wesleyan?
Out of all of the universities I toured in high school, Ohio Wesleyan was the only university that had the perfect blend of athletics and academics along with an extremely beautiful campus and surrounding city. I felt like I was truly going to get the most out of my college experience at OWU and as I finish up my senior year I can confidently say that I couldn't have made a better decision choosing a university.
Why did you choose your major?
I grew up in the hills of Southeastern Ohio, so I spent most of my time outside exploring the great outdoors around me. Additionally, being in rural Ohio, natural sciences and agriculture were very prevalent topics in my childhood education as well. From both of those influences, I knew that I really wanted to study the environment and plant life that encompasses them.
Why did you choose to compete in sports at Ohio Wesleyan?
I started competitively running when I was four years old, so I would say that I have always had a passion for it. Near the end of my high school career, I knew I wasn't quite ready to give up track and field and I knew that OWU track and field has an extensive history of pretty outstanding accolades.
Which is your favorite event/competition?
My favorite running event is hands down the 400-meter dash, especially the 4x400-meter relay. Since it's the last event in a track meet, the morale is always high and it's so wonderful to have everyone cheering you on while you're pushing yourself for your team.
What is your favorite memory on an Ohio Wesleyan team?
I think some of my favorite memories on the team would have to be the team bonding. I always feel so blessed to be a part of such an amazing and talented group of women who are truly passionate about the sport and what they do. The team is filled with a bunch of kind-hearted, supportive, and goofy individuals so our time together is always memorable.
Do you have any pre-event rituals or superstitions?
I wouldn't really say I have any pre-event rituals or superstitions, but before I step on the track I always start off with a prayer to remember my purpose. Before I get in the set position before my races, I always shake out the nerves to help with pre-race adrenaline. I also am always singing songs in my head during my races so I'm not actively thinking about what I'm doing.
What are your strengths as an athlete (as an individual)?
I would say one of my strengths as an athlete is keeping a positive attitude and mindset.
What is your number one goal, personal or team, for this season?
My personal goal for the season is to break the school record for both the indoor and outdoor 400-meter dash. My team goal is for the ladies team to place first in the conference for both indoor and outdoor.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation, I would like to pursue a produce manager apprenticeship with the OEFFA to help me pursue my dream career in sustainable agriculture. After completing this apprenticeship, I hope to own and operate my own sustainable farm with a community-based focus. My hope is that friends and families of the surrounding community can come to my farm to create memories and engage in educational experiences, while also giving back to low-income families and homeless shelters by providing them with fresh produce.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
I would probably say teleportation because it would make traveling really easy.
What is your favorite place to eat in Delaware, and what is your go-to dish there?
This is a really hard question because Delaware has so many wonderful restaurants downtown. I guess if I had to choose, my go-to place would probably be Mi Cerrito and my go-to order would be the Burrito Supremo.
What is your ideal travel destination?
I would say anywhere in the mountains. As I've said previously, I love to be out and nature and one of my favorite things about nature is the mountains. I love the tranquility of it and I always feel really connected with God out there.
What is your favorite place that you have traveled to as an OWU student-athlete?
My favorite place hands down was traveling to High Point University. It still feels like a very surreal experience going there and it was unlike any other university I've toured.
What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a student-athlete?
I think my advice for someone considering becoming a student-athlete would be to believe in yourself and what you can do. Oftentimes our minds are our biggest enemies and too often we let that limit what we are capable of achieving. Don't let the fear and anxiety of hard workouts or competing control how you perform. Once you take away the fear and anxiety you experience in what you do, you'll find that you can accomplish so much more than you thought you were capable of doing.
