Transfer student Ben Morrow is a double major in sports psychology and psychology, following his passion to work in the field of athletics. He’s also an athlete himself, growing up around the sport of tennis and falling in love with the game. While Ben’s journey to The University of Olivet took some twists and turns, he knows he’s found a second family and home on campus.
“I have lived in Rochester and Rochester Hills my whole life,” Ben said. “After attending two other colleges, I realized that a smaller school would better benefit my academics, so I began looking for schools to play tennis at and Olivet was one of my options. My friend from high school, Ben Compton, plays baseball here and recommended that I check out the school. I then had an overnight visit with Tyler Nobel ’20, an alumnus of the tennis team, and he was the one who ultimately convinced me to attend Olivet.”
Ben quickly found his fit on the men’s tennis team, and he also serves as a representative on the Student Athletic Advisory Committee.
“I have played tennis since I was only 7-years-old. I had always enjoyed it, but I was primarily a baseball player growing up,” Ben said. “After I lost my passion for baseball, I began focusing my attention on tennis. I loved playing, but I just never felt that I would be able to play at the collegiate level. I then began looking around at options to continue my playing career in the spring of 2018 and found Olivet.
“My dad is a college tennis coach, so I have been around sports my entire life. I have seen the ups and downs that athletes go through. Now being an athlete in college, I have experienced many of the said ups and downs myself. Psychology being used for the benefit of athletes is still a relatively new concept. I have always wanted to work in the field of athletics, and this field is not only something that I can relate to, but I feel as if I have the ability to help others become the best athlete they can be.”
After graduation, Ben plans to earn a master’s degree in athletic counseling or sports psychology. His ultimate career goal is to become a sports psychologist for a college or professional sports team. Ben credits his advisers and mentors at OC with helping him set and reach these goals.
“My adviser is Nancy Van Hoozier, associate professor of health and human performance. She has helped me in so many ways over the past two years,” Ben said. “She is very knowledgeable and understanding, so she has helped me to realize what I truly want to do with my career in the future. My coach has helped me grow in many ways since I have come to Olivet, and he has helped shape me into the athlete and person I am today.
“I have learned many things at Olivet since I transferred here. I came into Olivet with no idea what I wanted to do or who I was as a person. I learned that I need to be more outgoing and put myself out there to give myself more opportunities to succeed.”
Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admission at 800-456-7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu.
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