Senior Salute - JJ Cline

Continuing our "Senior Salute" series with JJ Cline, an education and mathematics major from Wooster, Ohio. Cline is a member of the men's basketball team.

Q: Why did you choose to attend The College of Wooster?
A: First and foremost, the education you receive at The College of Wooster is top notch. The professors go above and beyond to make sure the students are getting the best experience possible. As for basketball, Wooster's men's basketball program is one of the best programs in the country and you get to be coached by one of the most hard working and dedicated coaching staffs that will push you to not only be a better player, but an even better man.

Q: What does being a Fighting Scot student-athlete mean to you?
A: Being a Fighting Scot student-athlete is someone who dedicates a lot of time in the classroom and their sport. Being a successful student-athlete on this campus is achieved by hard work, commitment, and perseverance.

Q: What are some of your favorite memories as a student at The College of Wooster?
A: One of my favorite memories at Wooster is getting to be a part of my dad's first win as a head coach. Another memory that sticks out is being a part of the 2023 North Coast Athletic Conference regular season championship team. Aside from athletics, I was able to go to college with my two best friends and made even more friendships that will last a lifetime.

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 relationships you build with your teammates and coaches. These are relationships that will last the rest of your life. On top of that, the support you receive from the community is one of the best in the country.

Q: What else were you involved with on campus besides your sport?
A:  Some of the guys on our team, along with Coach Steve Moore and Pastor John Finn, took part in a weekly bible study. It was something we could do away from the basketball court while learning more about God's word.

Q: Which College of Wooster faculty or staff member has made the greatest impact on you and why?
A: Dr. Matthew Broda has made the greatest impact on me during my time at Wooster. Ever since I decided to pursue education, he has been a mentor every step of the way. He has been very personable and provided me with so much support.

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: The entire Education department at Wooster has really shaped my experience. They go above and beyond for all the students who have taken an education course at Wooster. They truly care about every single student, even the ones who do not major in education. To me, they will always have a special place in my heart for helping me become an educator.

Q: Tell us a bit about your Independent Study project?
A: I am writing about social and emotional learning during the first semester. I am then taking that information to put together a proof project that will take place during my student-teaching experience at Triway Middle School.

Q: Tell us a bit about something cool you did as a student at The College of Wooster?
A: Our team took a trip to France on fall break in 2022. We visited the Eiffel Tower, Normandy, the Louvre Museum, and many other things. We also had the opportunity to play three basketball teams from France. This trip was full of many memories that I will never forget for the rest of my life.

Q: Reflecting back on your time at Wooster, what advice would you give your first-year self?
A: The advice that I would give my first-year self would be to take in every moment and enjoy it all. Not everyone has the opportunity to be a college student-athlete, so take it one day at a time and work hard every day whether it is academically or athletically. Also, show gratitude and love to everyone who helped get you here because several people made this possible and it would not be possible without them.

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