...I knew I wanted to go to a smaller school and have a close relationship with professors and peers, but I also knew I wanted a school that could expand my world view and offer a real college experience...
Name: Sophia Cegledy
Class year: 2024
Major(s): Nutrition and psychology, minor in chemistry
Why did you choose Ohio Wesleyan?
I chose Ohio Wesleyan because it checked all my boxes. I knew I wanted to go to a smaller school and have a close relationship with professors and peers, but I also knew I wanted a school that could expand my world view and offer a real college experience. OWU has accomplished both of those things for me.
Why did you choose your major?
I came into college being as undecided as an undecided major could be. I couldn't decide if I wanted to explore something more people-based or science-based, but the nutrition field requires you to learn about both science and sociology, so nutrition seemed like a good middle ground!
Why did you choose to compete in sports at Ohio Wesleyan?
I chose Ohio Wesleyan because I thought the facilities were very impressive for a Division III school, and I really enjoyed how much the school seemed to value their athletes. I wanted to play for Coach (Cassie) Cunningham because she is very detail-oriented and dedicated to her craft. I am the exact same way, so I thought she would be a great coach for me!
What is your favorite memory on an Ohio Wesleyan team?
I don't have a specific memory! There is honestly nothing better than the 10-15 minutes before practice just goofing around with everyone, dancing to our favorite songs, and seeing how long it takes for Coach to get us to focus. A recent highlight was a dance party we had in the weight room!
Do you have any pre-event rituals or superstitions?
Freshman year, my mom gave me a Valentine's Day gift with a red ribbon on it. I saved that ribbon and I have worn it in my hair for every game of my career.
Why do you like your position?
I love playing second base because I move around a lot more than most other positions on the field. I get to cover a lot of ground and make a lot of cool plays that people don't expect me to make. I also love being in the middle of the field so I can communicate with everyone and try to be a good leader from there. I also don't have to throw the ball very far, which is nice.
What is your number one goal, personal or team, for this season?
Personally, my number one goal is to live in the moment, not stress so much about the outcome of things, and focus more on the gift that it is to play with my best friends one more time.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I plan on taking a gap year to finish up my requirements for physician assistant graduate programs. I hope to start PA school within the next two years!
What is your favorite place to eat in Delaware, and what is your go-to dish there?
The Warehouse Italian Dinners is my favorite place! My go-to dish is the Italian sausage pasta with a side Caesar salad, and a Pepsi.
Which three people, living or dead, would you like to share a meal with?
Post Malone, Freddie Mercury, and Billie Eilish. I think all three of these people are very talented artists who have very cool vibes, so it would be fun to experience them all in one setting. Also, I really need to hear Post Malone sing country music in person.
What is your ideal travel destination?
Southern Italy or Hawai'i
What is your favorite place that you have traveled to as an OWU student-athlete?
Orlando, Florida, has been my favorite because the weather is always so much nicer than Ohio in the middle of March, so it's like a sneak peek of summer.
What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a student-athlete?
If you're considering becoming a student-athlete, make sure that you choose a school with a team full of people you enjoy being around and want to be friends with! At the end of the day, the friendships I have built over the last four years have been the best part of playing a college sport!
What is your favorite book and why?
I have never been much of a reader, so I hope coloring books count. My favorite coloring book is called "Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book for Adults" by Johanna Basford because I like plants and flowers, and every time I color in this book it reminds me of how much I love those things.
