E8 Spotlight: Gwen Stokes
The Empire 8 Conference is full of talented student-athletes and the E8 Spotlight is one way for fans to get to know them.
Gwen Stokes (Fredonia, NY/Fredonia) is a freshman on the Houghton College women’s track and field. She finished third in high jump at the NCCAA 2017 Indoor National Championship and sixth at the 2017 NCCAA Outdoor National Championship.
Why did you choose to attend Houghton? I choose to attend Houghton because when I visited as a junior in high school everyone was so nice and I liked that it was a Christian College.
What has been the greatest part of your experience as a college athlete? Earning All-American at Christian Nationals indoor in high jump. But overall I just really enjoy the team. We are always together and supporting each other.
Who has been the most influential person during your athletic career? Why? My parents. My mom was a high jumper in college and my dad is a track coach. So it is a family sport.
Where do you see yourself in five years? I hope to be at a good dental school.
What do you like most about competing in the E8? Everyone is really nice. And it has been fun to meet girls from other teams and become friends.
Top 3 things on your bucket list? Become a dentist. Have a family. Return to Alaska.
What is something most people don’t know about you? They screwed up my birth certificate. The first one issued said Owen.
Invite four famous people, living or dead, to a dinner party: Dick Fosburry, Ronald Regan, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln.
Rapid Fire questions
Favorite food: Ice-cream
Favorite TV show: Bones
Favorite Movie: Without Limits
Favorite place to visit: Alaska
Can’t live without: dry socks
Pet Peeve: when people don’t try hard in practice.