Shooting for the Stars

To say that Osazenoriuwa Ebose ’15’s accomplishments as a field athlete are impressive is an understatement. Like her discus and shot-put throws, Ebose’s list of accolades is long and difficult to match. 

May 23, just eight days before her graduation, the sociology and anthropology major and peace and conflict studies minor from Scotch Plains, N.J., earned All-America honors and placed seventh nationally in the shot put at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships at St. Lawrence University.

Her 46-foot, 2-inches throw landed her in seventh place nationally. She is the sixth female student-athlete and first thrower of either gender in the history of Swarthmore’s track and field to earn All-America recognition outdoors.

Earlier in May, Ebose was named Centennial Conference (CC) Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year, after her shot-put toss of 49 feet, 8.25 inches at the CC championships ranked her first across Division III schools nationwide, breaking College and conference records and currently ranking ninth all-time in Division III history. A discus throw of 152 feet, 2 inches also broke College records. According to Ebose, her team was a large part of these and other successes.

“Your team pushes you to be the best you can be, and your success is a success for the team,” says Ebose. “No sport can be entirely individual because there is always someone who supports you, coaches you, and pushes you forward.”

Ebose, who will enter the Temple University Beasley School of Law this fall, notes some of the lessons she has learned as a student-athlete over her decorated college career.

 “When you set goals for yourself in your sport, never believe too little of yourself, but never ignore facts of reality. Make your goal achievable, and when you do achieve it, set it higher and keep working,” says Ebose. “Keep shooting for the stars.”