Oklahoma State University Athletics
Meet The Freshmen: Jennifer Celis
October 02, 2014 | Cowgirl Cross Country & Track
Each week, we will sit down with a Cowboy/Cowgirl newcomer and find out everything from their favorite part about Stillwater, to their favorite TV show. This week, we talked with Jennifer Celis, a freshman from Hotchkiss, Colo., who developed a sewing talent while compiling nine individual state titles over the course of her high school career.
What was the number one reason why you came to Oklahoma State?
"I connected really well with Coach Smith and Coach Mason [Cathey], and it felt like they had confidence in me. I'm from a small school, so Coach Smith made the analogy of, `You can only grow as big as the bowl you're in.' He compared it to a fish, so if you're a small fish in a small bowl, you're going to stay small, but if you're a big fish in a big pond, you're only going to get bigger. I just liked how the coaches believed in me, and I also liked the team and how competitive they were."
Since you've been here, what has been your favorite part about OSU?
"I like the environment of the team. Everyone is really focused and really wants to get things done. They take running seriously, but at the same time, they want to have fun and have a good time."
What do you miss most about home?
"So far, everyone has made us feel welcome, so I haven't really been that homesick. I guess I miss my parents, my animals, friends, boyfriend and all the typical stuff. I guess I also miss the small-community feel, but Stillwater is kind of the same type of thing. You still see people that you know when you're on campus and you're going to class."
Do you have any superstitions you use before a meet?
"I don't really have any superstitions, but I do pray before I race. I'll usually think of Philippians 4:6. In my head, I'll say, `Don't be nervous for anything, but pray for everything. Thank God for what he's done, and tell him what you need.'"
Who is your cross country/track idol?
"Emma Coburn. She's only a couple of hours away, so I hear about her all the time. She's a really great athlete, she went to the Olympics and it's really just neat with how close she is. She was from a small town and was able to go on and be successful, so it's kind of like an inspiration sort of thing.
What's your favorite thing about being a runner?
"One thing I love about it is that it's an individual sport, but also a team sport at the same time. You focus on yourself and making yourself better, but you also work together as a team, and you have your team and coaches there to support you."
Do you have a favorite TV show?
"I would say mine is Finding Carter, Project Runway or Awkward."
Who is your favorite musical artist?
"I like country, pop and kind of just whatever is popular. I really like Imagine Dragons and Maroon 5."
If you could visit one place in the world, where would you go?
"Machu Picchu. I like the history behind it, especially how the Incan civilization just randomly disappeared. It would be really neat to visit, and I want to take a picture jumping over Machu Picchu, because I`ve seen a lot of people do that before. "
If your house/apartment was on fire and you only had time to save one possession, what would it be?
"My dog. He's a terrier mutt. He kind of looks like a small dingo, but he's really cute and friendly."
If you could have dinner with any three people (living or dead), who would they be?
"The President, my high school coach and Imagine Dragons."
Do you have a special talent?
"I really like to sew. I really like making dresses, and I even made my homecoming dress. It's appropriately challenging, so I feel accomplished after sewing a dress."
Give me one word to describe you.
"Social. You could even say social/swag."
