...OWU also allowed me to stay close to home and play the sport I love on a beautiful campus with extremely nice facilities like the (Schimmel/Conrades) Science Center.
Name: Avery Curtin
Class year: 2026
Majors: Biology and psychology
Why did you choose Ohio Wesleyan?
I chose Ohio Wesleyan because every OWU student and alum I talked to enjoyed the school and the community. OWU also allowed me to stay close to home and play the sport I love on a beautiful campus with extremely nice facilities like the (Schimmel/Conrades) Science Center.
Why did you choose your major?
My mom is currently an occupational therapist, where she rehabilitates patients, so I always knew I wanted to do something in the medical field where I could help people progress like her. I decided biology would be the best option for that path. I chose psychology because learning about different psychological processes is fascinating.
What are your strengths as an athlete (as an individual)?
My biggest strength is that I'm extremely competitive and passionate about the game. I absolutely hate losing. I also have so much respect and strong care for my teammates, which pushes me to want to play well for them, LYT (Love Your Teammates!).
Why did you choose your position?
I don't think I chose center midfield, I think one of my club coaches stuck me there because we needed a center mid for one game. However, I have grown to love this position. It is a challenging position. You have to be creative but disciplined and gritty. I also like the fact that as a center mid, you always have to stay engaged both offensively and defensively.
Do you have any pre-event rituals or superstitions?
Yes, I have a lot! I have to put on my left sock, right sock, left shoe, right shoe, left shin guard, and then right shin guard. I always have to wear pink pre-wrap for games. I have to eat a banana before the game. I have to play juggling ABCs and get to letter Z with my teammates Ryan O'Neill, Halle Dacek, Avery Maxeiner, and Cami Womeldorf. And I must do my handshake with my teammate Cami Womeldorf right before kick-off!
What sport other than your own would you like to try?
In middle school, I ran cross country, and I loved it so much. However, once I got to high school, I had to choose between soccer and cross country, and I chose soccer! I have also run two half-marathons, so I would like to run a full marathon at some point in my life.
What is your favorite memory on an Ohio Wesleyan team?
My favorite memory so far has to be our win against Capital this year. OWU has not beaten Capital since Coach Pat (Ferguson) has been here, so it felt like such an accomplishment, especially because Capital is generally a good and fit team. We were also at home, so it felt good to win in front of our families, friends, and classmates.
What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a student-athlete?
I would tell them to use the resources at OWU and ask upperclassmen for help when they need it! You need to create a good balance between staying focused in the classroom while also having fun and playing hard as an athlete. Always remember that it’s STUDENT-athlete (student first). You want to win on the field, but winning in the classroom is more important.
What is your favorite place to eat in Delaware, and what is your go-to dish there?
My favorite place to eat in Delaware has to be Typhoon. I always get the Poke Nachos and the Delaware Roll.
What is your favorite season and why?
My favorite season is fall for several reasons. The first is that it's soccer season! The second is that Thanksgiving is in the fall, and it is my favorite holiday. The third is that the weather is perfect for me. I love it when it's in the mid-60s. The last is that it is gorgeous outside.
by Michaela Alfano '25
