...I chose to compete in sports at Ohio Wesleyan because of the incredible support from my family and the coaching staff. I knew I wanted to continue running after high school, but the coaching staff truly encouraged me and believed in my potential to contribute to the team...
Name: Yehdeiah Dennis
Class year: 2028
Majors: Education and Health and Human Kinetics, with a minor in Black World Studies
Why did you choose your major?
I chose my major because I enjoy educating children and helping them grow. I'm also interested in becoming an athletic trainer to be able to help athletes with their injuries. As for my minor, I chose Black World Studies because in just being in a few Black World Studies classes here at OWU, it gave me a deeper understanding of who I am as a Black woman and what my people have gone through. I want to be able to continue to enhance my knowledge and share with others.
Why did you choose to compete in sports at Ohio Wesleyan?
I chose to compete in sports at Ohio Wesleyan because of the incredible support from my family and the coaching staff. I knew I wanted to continue running after high school, but the coaching staff truly encouraged me and believed in my potential to contribute to the team.
Why did you choose your event?
I know it's corny, but I feel like I didn't choose my events —- they chose me. I started off running the 100- and 200-meter dashes, but over time, I realized where my true strengths were. Ultimately, that led me to compete in the 200- and 400-meter dashes, as well as the high jump.
What are your strengths as an athlete (as an individual)?
I feel that my strength as an athlete is my work ethic -- I'm the type of person who takes advice from my coaches and tries to fix it as best as I can because I never want to limit myself to being just "good" but great. Another strength I feel that I possess is resiliency. I've been through injuries in my past that I thought I could not bounce back from but I always have in my mind "this too shall pass." When I tell this to myself, I know that my injury is only a hurdle that I will overcome, and I will only come back better than ever.
What is your number one goal, personal or team, for this season?
Last year, I suffered an injury, and it stopped me from being able to pr my senior year, but my goal is to get back to where I was and run a 58 in my 400 and 25 in my 200.
Is there a specific coach or teammate who has helped you get where you are?
My number one supporters are my family. They make it to every meet no matter the distance and are always there to support me, and for that, I'll always be forever grateful for them.
Which reality show would you like to star on and why?
I'm not sure if it's still coming on, but I would love to be on the cooking show "Chopped." Because it's free food, of course!
What is your favorite book and why?
A book that I love is called "Before I Let Go" by Kennedy Ryan. I love this book because it was just so beautifully written. It's about love but also the hardships of a single mother and the journey as a Black woman.
If you could visit another time, when would it be and why?
A time period I would love to visit is in the '90s. I would love to visit the '90s because of the fashion that arose during that time.
by Michaela Alfano '25
