Natalie Dudek, WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlight
Each week during the 2019-20 academic year, the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference will feature two student-athletes (one male and one female) from one of its eight institutions for a "Student-Athlete Spotlight" Q & A segment. The segments, presented by Culver's, will be also posted every Thursday on the WIAC website.
Name: Natalie Dudek
Hometown (High School): Burbank, Ill. (Reavis)
Year in School: Senior
Sport: Softball
Major: Rehabilitation Science
Why did you choose to attend UW-Oshkosh?
I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to have Coach Beyer see me at a travel softball tournament. He was there watching one of teammates play who was already committed to UW-Oshkosh. One thing led to another and I decided to visit the campus. Immediately after visiting, I knew UW-Oshkosh was where I wanted to spend my next four years.
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
UW-Oshkosh Kinesiology Club
What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
Because of it being Division III, there are no athletic scholarships. Everyone plays their sport for the love of the game. It makes me happy to be a part of one of the best conferences in Division III because of the competition and the coaches who we get to compete against. It's always fun!
What is your favorite…
Flavor of the Day from Culver's? Chocolate Covered Strawberry
Menu item from Culver's? Chicken Tender Value Basket
Spot on Campus? Rec Plex (Dome), where we get to practice
Movie? School of Rock
TV Show? Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Food? Grilled cheese sandwich
Musical Group/Artist? Blackbear
Professional Sports Athlete? Javy Baez
Hobby? Cooking, easily
Phone App? Twitter or Spotify
Vacation Spot? Ludington, Mich.
Quote/motto? "Everything Happens for a Reason."
What is your greatest sports moment?
My freshman year (2017) at UW-Oshkosh when our softball team received an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III postseason for the first time since 2008. We ended up winning the La Crosse Regional against a couple of rivals and advanced to the Trine Super Regional where I got to experience something very special with my best friends.
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Cook dinner and hang out with everyone. This eventually turns into learning TikTok dances.
If you could change one rule about your sport, what would it be?
The obstruction rule. Enough said.
The best thing about your hometown is?
The people. The people I grew up around have a huge impact on me as an athlete and where I am today. It's always nice to go home and appreciate that.
What is your dream job?
Occupational Therapist
Three things on your "bucket list"?
1. Win the Lottery
2. Sit courtside at a NCAA Division I March Madness basketball game
3. Go to Las Vegas with my best friends
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event rituals? If so, what are they?
I have pregame songs and meals that are my go to. It depends on the success I have during the previous game. For example, if I play one game well, the next game I will listen to the same songs and eat the same thing before playing.
What is your biggest "pet-peeve"?
When someone whistles for no reason.
What is your greatest fear?
Drowning in big open water.
2019-20 UW-Oshkosh WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlights
Cody Chadwick • Men's Cross Country
Sydney Challoner • Women's Swimming & Diving
Emily Gilot • Women's Gymnastics
Alyssa Leffler • Women's Tennis