Senior Salute - Bella McCloskey

Our "Senior Salute" series continues with Bella McCloskey, a communication studies major from Delaware, Ohio. McCloskey is a member of the women's lacrosse team.

Q: Why did you choose to attend The College of Wooster?
A: I wanted to go to a smaller school, somewhat close to home, and I knew I wanted to continue my athletic career. I fell in love with the campus atmosphere and the team culture.

Q: What does being a Fighting Scot student-athlete mean to you?
A: Being a Fighting Scot student-athlete means giving your best in both sports and academics. It is about working hard, being disciplined, and staying committed to improving every day.

Q: What are some of your favorite memories as a student at The College of Wooster?
A: Honestly, being with my friends and teammates. There is never a dull moment with them, and they truly have made my time at Wooster special.

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 strong sense of community and support you get both from your teammates and the College as a whole. You are part of a tight-knit group where people genuinely care about your success, whether it is on the field or in the classroom.

Q: What else were you involved with on campus besides your sport?
A: I am vice president of the Communication Club, and I am a member of Lambda Pi Eta, the national communication honor society. I also play intermural pickleball.

Q: Which College of Wooster faculty or staff member has made the greatest impact on you and why?
A: My coaches, Elizabeth Ford and Katie Shideler. They have been there for me through a lot of challenges and always support me with encouragement and guidance. Coach Ford has helped me develop my abilities, pushing me to improve. She believed in my potential even when I doubted myself. Coach Shideler has been a constant source of support, always ready with advice and a listening ear. Their unwavering belief in me has not only helped me grow as an athlete, but has also built my confidence and resilience both on and off the field.

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: As a college athlete, balancing sports and academics is tough. Having friends who have your back makes all the difference. Especially Adele Dooner, who is my teammate, roommate, and one of my best friends here. She is the kind of person who would drop everything to help you, and that kind of support is everything when things get overwhelming. Adele is always just reminding me I do not have to do it alone. Her support and friendship are exactly what I needed to keep going.

Q: Tell us a bit about your Independent Study project.
A: My I.S. is about how brands advertise to women on social media platforms. I am looking at three specific brands and how they visually uplift women with empowerment and body representation.

Q: Tell us a bit about something cool you did as a student at The College of Wooster?
A: The women's lacrosse team traveled to Europe for fall break this year. Traveling with my greatest friends, playing the sport I love, and experiencing a new place was definitely a highlight of my senior year.

Q: Reflecting back on your time at Wooster, what advice would you give your first-year self?
A: If I could go back, I would tell my first-year self to enjoy the journey and not stress too much. Balance your time between school, sports, and social life. Do not be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Stay organized and remember that setbacks are part of the process. Learn from the setbacks. Take time to connect with people and make the most of the opportunities you have at Wooster. It goes by quicker than you think.

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