2026 WOW Team

Harika Goteti

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Graduation Year: 2028

Major: Economics and Political Science

Why do you “WOW”?: I WOW because I believe in the power of a great first impression. When I first arrived on campus, the Week of Welcome helped me turn my nervous energy into confidence and allowed me to find my first real connections at UConn. I want to pay that forward by being the person who ensures every new student feels immediately seen, supported, and excited to be here. My goal is simple: to help every First-Year Student realize that they belong here and that their best UConn memories start right now!

John Heck

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Graduation Year: 2028

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Why do you “WOW”?: I WOW because I believe the first few weeks of college are some of the most exciting, important, and potentially stressful of a student’s college career. Moving to a new place, sometimes far from family and familiar support systems, can be overwhelming, and having a strong support system is incredibly important. WOW gives me the chance to connect with new students, help them acclimate to campus, and make them feel welcomed and included. My own experience as a new student showed me how valuable support and guidance can be during that transition. Because of that, I want to be a WOW leader to help students feel more connected, confident, and comfortable on campus. I’ve really enjoyed facilitating acclimation and helping students meet new people!

Shannon Hegarty

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Graduation Year: 2027

Major: Pathobiology

Why do you “WOW”?:I do WOW because I have the opportunity to foster an environment that welcomes first-year students from all backgrounds and experiences and eases their transition to life at UConn. WOW plays a key role in helping our first-year students get acclimated to the new experiences, people, and campus they will encounter at UConn. The connections and knowledge that result from WOW prepare students for success.

Jordi Padros

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Graduation Year: 2027

Major: Allied Health Sciences w/ Psychology Minor

Why do you “WOW”?:I WOW because it was such a pivotal moment in my college life and really prepared me for my four years here at UConn. WOW has given me long lasting friendships that I never would have gotten to chance to make otherwise. Working with the East campus crew this semester was something I will be eternally grateful for with all of the time and effort we put in together and it really paying off was very rewarding. It gave me the energy and excitement to keep going and getting to give that to first year students is something I find very important.

India Patel

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Graduation Year: 2027

Major: Political Science w/ Public Policy Minor

Why do you “WOW”?: I WOW because I love helping new students feel welcomed and confident as they begin their UConn journey. Transitioning to college can be overwhelming, and I want to be the kind of support system that makes a difference during that first week. Last year, I saw how powerful it can be when students feel seen, included, and encouraged, and that motivated me to keep giving back to the community that gave me so much. WOW isn’t just about settling in; it’s about building connections, spreading school spirit, and creating lasting memories. I WOW because I want every student to feel the same excitement and sense of belonging that made UConn feel like another home for me.

Abby Luis

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Graduation Year: 2027

Major: ACES

Why do you “WOW”?: I WOW because of the positive impact it had on me as a first-year student. At first, I was nervous about being in college but participating in WOW events boosted my confidence and helped me make many friends. My WOW leader created a fun and inclusive atmosphere, which made me feel more comfortable and by the end of the weekend, I felt positive that UConn was my place to be! Inspired by my WOW leader, I wanted to become one too. I WOW to make a difference in the new Huskies' experience and to show them everything UConn has to offer. I also love to meet new people, so I am excited to get to know everyone and have some fun on move-in weekend!

Parker Pretty

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Graduation Year: 2027

Major: Cognitive Science

Why do you “WOW”?:I WOW because I want students to feel like they can make UCONN their own community when they arrive. I want them to be encouraged to join clubs and organizations, but also connect with the students around them in order to get the best WOW and UCONN experience possible. I felt very supported when I first came to UCONN through the WOW program, and I want to bring that same supportive energy to the new incoming students.

Daniel Senior

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Graduation Year: 2028

Major: Human Development and Family Sciences

Why do you "WOW"?:I want to be a WOW Leader because I genuinely love connecting with people, creating positive energy inducing environments, and helping others feel seen and supported—especially during a time as nerve-wracking and transformative as someones first year of college. I know firsthand how powerful a welcoming environment can be, and I want to be part of creating that for incoming students. Through my campus involvement and leadership roles, I’ve learned how to be adaptable, empathetic, and intentional in everything I do. I’m excited to bring fresh ideas, big energy, and real personability to the role not just to lead, but to leave a lasting impact. WOW is about building community, sparking connections, and making people feel like they belong, and that’s exactly the kind of work I want to be doing making WOW the place tin be and the place for me.

Emma Van Tasel

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Graduation Year: 2027

Major: Elementary Education

Why do you “WOW”?: My first day at UConn was full of lots of emotions. I was excited for the possibilities that awaited me, but overwhelmed by the huge, unfamiliar campus and without my family or friends. My WOW Leader introduced herself to me and invited me to the program's events. I attended them, and in doing so, I made new friends, became familiar and comfortable with the UConn campus, and for the first time, felt ready for and in charge of my college experience. So many possibilities opened their doors for me thanks to the WOW program. I am thrilled to be able to be a part of this transformative weekend and pave the way for possibilities for incoming first-years!

Devin Welch

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Graduation Year: 2028

Major: Political Science

Why do you “WOW”?: I first started my WOW experience last summer and enjoyed it so much I am back here for round 2! My favorite thing about the WOW program is witnessing the positive connections made between first year students that last way beyond the weekend of welcome and can lead to a friend for life! I personally had a really fun experience during my personal Weekend of Welcome (Shoutout the block party my favorite part!) and want others to experience the same joy I had during WOW 🙂

Rachel Yang

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Graduation Year: 2027

Major: Biological Sciences

Why do I “WOW”?: I WOW because as an out-of-state student I felt nervous moving to a new place, and my WOW leaders were the people who made me feel comfortable and helped me adapt to college life. I hope I am able to do the same for someone because I know the transition to living on your own for the first time is difficult. I made many friends through WOW which is why I am so glad the WOW program exists. The friends I made then are people I still talk to as an incoming senior this fall. I had a positive experience with WOW, and I hope to have that same impact and make incoming students feel welcome.

Tommy Boulter

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Graduation Year: 2028

Major: Undecided

Why do I “WOW”?: I WOW because I love creating a welcoming environment for new Huskies! Being part of WOW gives me the chance to share my UConn pride, help students adjust to campus life, and make their first weeks memorable and positive. Transitioning to college can be overwhelming, and I remember how much it meant to have people guide me through those first few weeks. Through WOW, I can give back to the UConn community by helping new students feel connected, confident, and excited to be here.

Husky WOW

Meet your 2026 WOW Captains!

Meet your 2025 WOW Leaders!