Wheaton College Athletics

Stacey Cladis is a senior member of the Wheaton softball team. A First Team All-CCIW selection as a junior, Cladis leads the Thunder this season with five home runs and a team-high .581 slugging percentage. Below is a brief interview with Stacey.

Q: What is your major?
 A: I am a biology major and a music minor.
 
Q: What (if any) plans do you have after graduation?
A: I will begin pursuing my doctor of physical therapy degree at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois in early June.
 
Q: Why did you choose to play softball at Wheaton?
A: I chose to play softball at Wheaton because I wanted to play the sport I loved on a Christ-centered team. The girls also took great care of me on my recruiting visit and took the time to get to know me and gave me a glimpse of Wheaton that I would fall in love with. They had a great community in which Christ was at the center. The coach also encouraged me to realize my true identity in Christ before everything else, even softball. Understanding that above all else he wanted to grow me and my teammates spiritually was a refreshing change from the other coaches. But, he also had a successful and growing program that was exciting to join.

Q: What do you enjoy most about Wheaton?
A: Wheaton has people with all different stories, and I have loved getting to know some of the awesome stories of God’s grace and faithfulness. Wheaton has been a great place of spiritual growth for me, and I love the creative ways in which people have fun! I am so thankful for the ways in which Wheaton has helped me to grow and mature in many areas of life (and softball has been a big part of that!).
 Q: What is your favorite softball memory so far in your time at Wheaton?
A: One of my favorite softball memories was our trip to the CCIW tournament my freshman year when we upset host Millikin in the first game! One of my favorite trips was the mission trip to the Dominican Republic and seeing how love is a universal language that can transcend language and cultural differences. In addition, the ways in which the Dominican people encouraged us was a life-changing experience for me. Other great memories have stemmed from team retreats, small groups, worship nights, and spring break trips. I will definitely cherish the great relationships and life lessons I have learned through playing softball at Wheaton College. I especially enjoyed all the laughter I have been able to share with my wonderful teammates over my time here!