Last week, the university welcomed its largest freshman class in nearly a decade. Here are the stories for some of the new faces seen on campus.

Kylie Wilkins

Elementary Education

Temecula, California

“I’ve been playing soccer for 13 years,” said Kylie Wilkins.

She began the sport at just 5 years old and went on to become a four-year letter winner in high school. Over the years, she also competed in basketball and cross country, but soccer remained her focus.

Now, Wilkins has brought her experience to the soccer team as a right winger. She also plays outside back, making her a versatile addition to the roster.

In the classroom, Wilkins is pursuing a major in elementary education. Inspired by her mother’s career as a teacher, she said she hopes to teach fourth grade one day. Volunteering at her mother’s school helped solidify her passion for education.

When she’s not on the field or in class, Wilkins enjoys baking, especially cakes.

Marty Cloherty 

Finance 

Chicago 

Eager to cheer on the Wildcats, deepen his faith and stay active, Marty Cloherty is kicking off his first week as a freshman.

A lifelong football fan, Cloherty said he is most excited to attend the home games and support the ACU football team. He began playing football at age 6 and went on to become a two-year letter winner in high school.

Although he is no longer playing competitively, Cloherty plans to stay involved in sports through ACU’s intramural program and hopes to try out for the club golf team.

Just as he plans to stay physically active, Cloherty said he also looks forward to growing spiritually during his time at ACU. The class he’s most excited about is Bible.

“I’d just like to get closer to God,” he said.

Cloherty is majoring in finance, following in the footsteps of his uncle, who works as an accountant. He describes himself as spontaneous and outgoing, and in his free time, he enjoys fishing and watching movies.

Victoria Correa

Leon, Mexico

Marketing

After 12 years of hard work on the court, Victoria Correa earned an athletic scholarship to join the tennis team.

Originally from León, Guanajuato, Mexico, Correa said her parents introduced her to tennis when she was young, and it quickly became a lifelong passion. The sport has taken her far, both literally and figuratively, as she now begins a new chapter nearly 1,000 miles from home.

“I’m a really productive person; I love to do things,” she said.

That productivity shows up in more than just her training. Off the court, Correa enjoys cooking and running in her free time. When she’s ready to relax, she said she likes watching movies and TV shows, especially “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Correa said she is excited to grow as a student and an athlete.

Miriam Camarlinghi

Psychology major

Managua, Nicaragua

More than 2,200 miles from home, Miriam Camarlinghi said she chose ACU for its strong sense of community and welcoming environment.

“I’ve always thought how the mind works is very interesting,” she said, explaining her decision to major in psychology. “I like helping people, and I think that’s a great way I can do that.”

Camarlinghi also grew up playing soccer, a sport she still enjoys both on and off the field.

“I love playing it and watching it,” she said.

(Photo courtesy of Nayelli Pacheco)

Nayelli Pacheco

Dual major in business marketing and multimedia

Lytle

“I decided on ACU because the culture and spirit that surrounded campus made me feel at home,” she said.

An interesting fact about Pacheco is that she’s a twin. She’s excited to explore her interests in film production and sports photography while learning new skills in both areas.

Along with her academic goals, she hopes to grow in her faith. “I hope to grow more into my spiritual walk and learn more on God,” she said.

Pacheco is looking forward to meeting new people, getting involved on campus, and making the most of her first year both inside and outside the classroom.