Throughout the spring and summer, we'll be honoring our senior student-athletes with a "Senior Salute" series. Today's featured senior is Austrella Balley, a political science major from St. Louis, Missouri. Balley is a member of the women's basketball team.

Q: Why did you choose to attend The College of Wooster?
A: I chose Wooster on a whim. I never intended to go to a small school, but Wooster found me. I came here and I never looked back.

Q: What does it mean to you to be a Fighting Scot student-athlete?
A: Being a Fighting Scot to me means you try to be the best version of yourself at all times. It's a privilege to wear those letters across our chests at every practice and game, so we act accordingly. When we show up, everyone knows that Wooster is a class act.

Q: What are some of your favorite memories as a student at The College of Wooster?
A: My favorite memories at the College mostly consist of long bus rides with my teammates. The best times were when we would sing, rap cyphers, or play games. Those will be some of the things I miss the most.

Q: What is the best part about being a student-athlete at The College of Wooster?
A: Having the ability to go to practice after classes and forget about all the things I was stressing about. Seeing my teammates instantly cheered me up

Q: What else were you involved with on campus besides your sport?
A: I am president of The College of Wooster's NAACP chapter, on the board of the Black Student Association (BSA), a member of Alpha Gamma Phi, and a resident assistant.

Q: Which College of Wooster faculty or staff member has made the greatest impact on you and why?
A: Dr. Álvaro Corral and Dean Ashley Benson. Dr. Corral is my advisor and has been there for me since my sophomore year. He is delightful to speak with and he just gets me. Dean Benson is my mentor and has been there for me through my toughest times. I am so appreciative of that.

Q: What other people or resources impacted your Wooster experience in a positive way and how did these people/resources set you up to be successful at Wooster?
A: Coach (Nicole) Marshall is the GOAT. PERIOD. She is selfless and is always available if anyone needs anything. She is one of the best coaches I have ever had in my life. Also, the whole operations staff in the Scot Center are rock stars too! Shout-out to them for making things run.

Q: Tell us a bit about your Independent Study project?
A: My research focuses on the schooling system in St. Louis. I am concentrating on how integration policies implemented by the school board impacted the level of political empowerment of St. Louis residents.

Q: Tell us a bit about something cool you did as a student at The College of Wooster?
A: In 2019, I received a summer APEX Fellowship which allowed me to intern in New York City as an immigration paralegal. After my junior year, I interned with Goldman Sachs, and they offered me a full-time position after graduation.

Q: Reflecting back on your time at Wooster, what is one piece of advice you would give your first-year (freshman) self?
A: Tough times do not last, tough people do!

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