Throughout the spring semester we are celebrating our senior student-athletes with a Senior Salute series. Today's featured senior is women's golf's Alexis Neal. Neal is a political science major.
Q: Why did you choose to attend The College of Wooster?
A: I was drawn to Wooster because of its strong sense of community and the opportunity to build close relationships with professors. The balance between academics and athletics really appealed to me.
Q: What does being a Fighting Scot student-athlete mean to you?
A: Being a Fighting Scot student-athlete means dedication and making time to balance academics and athletics. It is about the opportunity to play at the college level and, most importantly, to enjoy the experience with my teammates.
Q: What are some of your favorite memories as a student at The College of Wooster?
A: Some of my favorite memories came off the golf course, spending time with teammates just getting to know them better and building friendships. I especially enjoyed road trips, team dinners, and late-night study sessions.
Q: What is the best part about being a student-athlete at The College of Wooster?
A: The best part is having a built-in support system from day one. My teammates and coaches have pushed me to grow in ways I would not have expected. Balancing academics and athletics here feels challenging in the best way because you are always learning but you are never doing it alone.
Q: What else were you involved with on campus besides your sport?
A: I have been an elected class representative for all four years on Scot Council. I have also been a dancer and choreographer for the Wooster Dance Company as well as a member of the Moot Court Team.
Q: Which College of Wooster faculty or staff member has made the greatest impact on you and why?
A: Professor Emily Baird had the greatest impact on me because she supported me both academically and artistically. As a professor and director of the dance company, she pushed me to grow creatively while also helping me build confidence in the classroom. Her guidance shaped much of my experience at Wooster.
Q: What other people or resources impacted your Wooster experience in a positive way and how did these people and resources set you up to be successful at Wooster?
A: Coach Lisa Campanell Komara and Coach Dave Mottice were extremely influential as golf coaches. They always encourage me to push myself while also creating an environment where I felt supported and valued.
Q: Tell us a bit about your Independent Study project?
A: My Independent Study explores how the U.S. Constitution's amendment process, combined with rising political polarization, has made successful amendments increasingly rare in the modern U.S.
Q: Tell us a bit about something cool you did as a student at The College of Wooster?
A: I was able to go to Washington D.C. and compete at an invitational Moot Court tournament with one of my golf teammates.
Q: Reflecting back on your time at Wooster, what advice would you give your first-year self?
A: I would tell my first-year self to trust the process and not be afraid to step out of my comfort zone. The challenges will help you grow, and the people around you will support you more than you realize.
Interested in becoming a Fighting Scot?
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