Throughout the spring semester we are celebrating our senior student-athletes with a Senior Salute series. Today's featured senior is cross country and track and field's Sylvia Direnzo. Direnzo is an economics major.
Q: Why did you choose to attend The College of Wooster?
A: I chose to attend Wooster because getting the opportunity to write an Independent Study was very appealing to me.
Q: What does being a Fighting Scot student-athlete mean to you?
A: Being a Fighting Scot student-athlete means putting myself out there and trying new things.
Q: What are some of your favorite memories as a student at The College of Wooster?
A: My favorite memory from college was when I lived in a house with my best friends and every day felt like a big slumber party.
Q: What is the best part about being a student-athlete at The College of Wooster?
A: The best part about being a student-athlete at Wooster is the community it creates. When I joined the cross country team I felt as if I gained 20 new best friends.
Q: What else were you involved with on campus besides your sport?
A: I am the co-president of the women's club rugby team.
Q: Which College of Wooster faculty or staff member has made the greatest impact on you and why?
A: Dr. Melanie Long has had a huge impact on my college career. She was the first female professor I had in an economics course, which made me feel much more comfortable in the major. She has written me countless letters of recommendation and always made her classes fun while simultaneously challenging.
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 Dennis Rice impacted my Wooster experience in a positive way. He let me join the cross country team my last year of college and made me feel welcomed from the start. Also, Tom Lockard, my boss, has helped me be successful at Wooster. He gave me the opportunity to learn new life skills and taught me how to manage being a full-time student and employee.
Q: Tell us a bit about your Independent Study project?
A: I am researching how economic disparities can affect the supply and demand of human trafficking. This is a very under researched topic and I feel as if my research can really benefit the people affected by this horrible human rights violation.
Q: Tell us a bit about something cool you did as a student at The College of Wooster?
A: I had the opportunity to study abroad in Stockholm, Sweden. It truly was a once in a lifetime experience and I am so grateful to the college for it.
Q: Reflecting back on your time at Wooster, what advice would you give your first-year self?
A: Join the cross country team sooner. Everyone is so kind and welcoming. Imagine having four years of that instead of just one.
Interested in becoming a Fighting Scot?
High school prospective student-athletes can click here to learn about our recruiting process, click here to view the virtual campus tour, and click here to learn more about admissions events, tours, and visit programs.
Transfer prospective student-athletes can click here to learn about our transfer recruiting process and use the links above for the virtual tour and admissions visit programs.
