Each week throughout the 2025-26 tutorial yr, the WIAC will function two student-athletes (one male and one feminine) from one in all its eight establishments for a “Student-Athlete Spotlight” Q & A section. The segments will likely be posted each Thursday and people are chosen by the establishment. The WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlights are introduced by Culver’s.
Name: Lydia Hayden
Institution: UW-Oshkosh
Hometown and High School: Broomfield, Colo. (Broomfield High School)
Year in class: Senior
Sport: Gymnastics
Major: Criminal Justice
Minor: Military Science
Why did you select UW-Oshkosh?
The robust sense of neighborhood and household tradition is what stood out to me most. From the second I arrived on campus, it was clear that the professors genuinely care about their college students and wish them to succeed each academically and personally. The athletic division can be extremely supportive of student-athletes, who encourage one another not solely throughout their seasons however year-round. No matter the place you go on campus, UW-Oshkosh actually looks like a household, and that surroundings has helped me develop in some ways.
What different golf equipment/organizations on campus are you concerned in?
In addition to athletics, I’m actively concerned within the United States Army ROTC program. ROTC has given me precious management expertise, strengthened and helped put together me for my future profession. It has additionally linked me with a bunch of extremely motivated friends who push me to be my finest every single day.
What do you want most about competing within the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
The WIAC is an especially aggressive convention, and every college challenges the others to carry out at a better degree. Being a Division III student-athlete is one thing I take nice delight in as a result of everybody competes for the love of their sport. In gymnastics, particularly, there’s a distinctive sense of mutual respect amongst us. At the tip of the competitors, we assist each other as a result of all of us perceive the arduous work, sacrifices, and dedication it takes to stability lecturers and athletics. That shared ardour and respect make the expertise actually particular.
What is your favourite…
Menu merchandise from Culver’s? Chicken Tenders
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s? Vanilla ice cream with raspberries and cheesecake bites
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus? Roof-top patio seating in Reeve
TV Show? The Rookie, any crime documentary
Holiday? Fourth of July
Food? Pasta
Animal? Elephant
Smartphone App? FaceTime
Musical Group or Artist? Country
Professional Sports Athlete or Team? CO Avalanche Hockey or NASCAR
Vacation Spot? The Mountains
What is your best sports activities second?
Winning nationwide championships in my freshman and sophomore years stands out as my best sports activities second. Those victories have been extremely significant as a result of they mirrored the arduous work, dedication, and dedication our group put in each single day. Another spotlight was beating two NCAA Division I groups this yr. Moments like which might be unforgettable, particularly as a result of we proved what we’re able to as an NCAA Division III program. There is nothing fairly like attaining these milestones alongside the teammates you prepare with every single day and sharing the reward for all the effort you’ve put in collectively.
What is your favourite factor to do off the court docket/subject together with your teammates?
Go on walks by the river (when it’s good out), attempt new dinner locations, and naturally, spend time watching motion pictures and chatting about life.
Who is somebody that you simply look as much as?
My sisters are the individuals I look as much as probably the most. They have all the time been there for me, supporting and inspiring me by way of each the highs and the lows. They lead by instance by way of their arduous work and the way in which they deal with others. Having their fixed assist has helped form who I’m as we speak, and so they proceed to encourage me to be the perfect model of myself and who I wish to develop into.
Do you might have any phrases of recommendation for youthful/upcoming student-athletes?
Always keep in mind to have enjoyable, each inside your sport and out of doors of it. The expertise goes by rapidly, so benefit from the course of and the relationships you construct alongside the way in which. Don’t be afraid to step outdoors of your consolation zone, attempt new issues, and develop as an individual. Your sport is a crucial a part of who you might be, however it doesn’t outline you totally. Take benefit of each alternative to be taught, develop, and make lasting recollections.
One phrase that describes you?
Caring
What is your dream job?
To journey the world for a dwelling.
Three issues in your “bucket list”?
—See the Northern Lights in Alaska
—Go to New Zealand
—Visit all 50 States
A non-athletic expertise that you’ve is?
Baking, favourite factor to bake is chocolate chip banana bread.
What’s your dream sporting occasion to attend?
The Olympics.
Do you might have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
I eat Goldfish after warmups and proper earlier than we stroll out. My teammate Amaya is the one one who can braid my hair, and my teammate Aleah is the one one allowed to place my bow in my hair.
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