Wheaton Blog

Gabriel Fellows ‘23
Major: Business & Management
Hometown: Middletown, R.I.

What is life like as a Wheaton student-athlete? Meet a two-sport athlete whose drive and talents, coupled with Wheaton’s supportive community, have led to successes on campus and bright prospects in the Big Apple. Take a look “Through the Student Lens.” 


Why did you choose Wheaton and what is it like being a two-sport student-athlete?

I chose Wheaton for the opportunity it gave me to pursue playing the sports I love and be a part of a community that felt extremely welcoming. I wanted to be at a place where I wasn’t just a number, and my professors knew my name. From day 1, that has allowed me to reach any goals and create meaningful relationships that I know will last a lifetime.

Being a two-sport athlete was an opportunity that arose far into my college career. I came to Wheaton to play soccer while leaving my passion for tennis behind. But, I was fortunate enough to gain a spot on the tennis team for my senior year. Going back to playing tennis at a high level is an unbelievable opportunity for me. All my coaches and athletics staff have been nothing but encouraging going into this new chapter. This level of encouragement is why I chose to come to Wheaton, as I felt it the first day I visited campus five years ago.

Have you had the opportunity to utilize the new strength and conditioning facilities in Haas Athletic Center? If yes, how have these facilities enhanced the performance of you and/or your team?

The new strength and conditioning center is an excellent addition to Wheaton athletics. Having a state-of-the-art training facility helps all our athletes reach their potential. It provides a place for athletes to come together to strive for our common goals to make ourselves better in season and off. I am incredibly grateful to be able to use it to better myself as a student-athlete. My favorite part of the weight room is the design and, of course, the fantastic new squat racks that are a significant update from our old setup.

Thinking back to your first year at Wheaton and where you are today, can you speak to how you have grown as a student and as an athlete and how Wheaton has supported you on that journey?

Coming in as a freshman, I knew the time would fly by, but I didn’t think it would go by this fast. The experiences and the people I have met at Wheaton have shaped me into the person I am today. My teammates, coaches, and all the staff have made my four years at Wheaton an unbelievable experience. Being a student-athlete has helped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined going into undergrad. The qualities I picked up at Wheaton will transfer directly into my professional career and beyond. To say I have grown at Wheaton is an understatement, all due to the special people at this school who have made my time memorable.

Other than tennis and soccer, are you involved in any other clubs or activities at Wheaton? If yes, how do they add to your overall Wheaton experience?

Being a student-athlete at Wheaton has never held me from being an active member of the Wheaton community. On campus, I lead and am a part of various clubs. I am the President of the Student Business Association and the Wheaton Investment Association. Along with those leadership positions, I am also a student-lead for the annual Wheaton Social Impact Conference and a Career Peer Advisor at the Filene Center on campus. These opportunities have allowed me to grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Being able to do these things on campus has added so much value to my experience here at Wheaton. They, allow me to connect with outstanding students and professors and to find my passions beyond athletics. I should also add because of all my work on campus; I was offered a full-time job in New York City after completing a summer internship in a very competitive industry—Investment Banking. I believe that there have been very few if any, students to enter this industry directly from undergrad here at Wheaton.

Student-athletes make up approximately 25% of the student population at Wheaton. How do you feel college sports positively impact both athletes and non-athletes at the college?   

The integration of student-athlete and non-athletes at Wheaton has been a seamless experience for me. Being a part of so many organizations on campus, I think some people may not have even known I was an athlete. Everyone at Wheaton brings a new perspective, and that is what makes this place so unique.

Gabriel is just one of the many engaging students here at Wheaton. As parents and guardians, you are an integral part of our community. “Through the Student Lens” brings the campus to you, as seen through the eyes of our students, the many roles they play and the experiences they gain during their time here at Wheaton.

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