HIRAM, Ohio – October 14, 2021 – Over the next few months, the Hiram College Department of Athletics is excited to introduce our newest Terriers, freshmen and first-year student-athletes. Today, we introduce you to women's wrestling freshman JoRee Ybarra, from Wayne, Okla.
 
This interview has been edited for length and clarity
 
1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself (major, year, sport, hometown, high school, etc.) and your background? 

I am in my first year at Hiram. I am a wrestler and I've been wrestling for two years. My major is integrative exercise science and my minor is entrepreneurship. I am from Wayne, Oklahoma and I went to Norman High School in Norman, Oklahoma.

2. Why Hiram? 

I chose Hiram because it had my major and I was invited by Coach Vogel to wrestle here.
 
3. What was the recruiting process like for you? 

Coach Vogel sent me a card asking me to join Hiram wrestling. It made me want to switch college's that I wanted to go to. I also thought about my major and what I wanted to do and Hiram is the right place for me.
 
4. What are you most looking forward to about playing your sport at the collegiate level? 

I am looking forward to being a family on the women's and men's team for wrestling. I am looking forward to winning some matches and doing well in season. I want to aim for the championships at the end of the season.
 
5. Who are some of your biggest role models or influences, both on-and-off the field? 

Off the mat, I would say my mom and dad because they helped me to be where I am at now. On the mat, I am not sure yet, but right now it is my teammates as they helped me a lot and I am getting better.
 
6. What did you do this past summer? 

I worked this summer and I lifted as well. I didn't step on a mat this summer; I was going to worry about it when I got to college. Right now I don't have technique, but I do have strength. When I start to have technique my strength will come in.
 
7. What else besides athletics do you plan on getting involved with on-campus? 

I plan on getting involved with clubs, but other than that not really much else.
 
8. What are some of your goals, both athletically and academically, for your first-year at Hiram? 

My goal is to graduate from Hiram College so I can start my career. I want to do well in school and I'm doing pretty well right now. Athletically, I want to try to make it to the championship for wrestling.
 
9. Who's your favorite professional sports team? 

I am not sure.
 
10. Who's your favorite professional athlete? 

I am not sure.
 
11. What's your favorite movie/TV show? 

My favorite TV show is Criminal Minds. 
 
12. What song or podcast are you listening to right now? 

I am listening to classical music. 
 
13. What's your favorite food? 

Steak, Pork chops, Ribs, Brisket
 
14. What's your favorite athletics memory? 

Being on a team and winning matches.
 
15. What's your favorite thing about Hiram so far? 

My favorite thing about being at Hiram is that everyone is nice and I'm good friends with my team.