Rachel Elliott, WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlight
Each week during the 2016-17 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: Rachel Elliott
Hometown (High School): Brookfield, Wis. (Sussex Hamilton High School)
Year in school: Senior
Sport: Women's Soccer
Major(s): Interactive Web Management
Minor(s): Journalism
Why did you choose UW-Oshkosh?
My sister, Robyn, and I knew that we play better soccer together, and we loved how close it was to home. We toured different campuses, but felt most at home at UW-Oshkosh and felt the most comfortable being coached by Coach [Erin] Coppernoll.
What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference?
I like the number of players who I recognize from playing club soccer. I think on every team I can pick out key players who I have grown up playing with or against. I also love the distance we get to travel for games.
What is your favorite…
Flavor of the Day from Culver's? Chocolate Oreo Volcano!
Menu item from Culver's? North Atlantic Cod dinner
Spot on campus? Journalism Reading Room
Class? Internet Marketing
Movie? "17 Again"
Food? Strawberries is my healthy choice … Pizza is my go-to.
Professional Sports Team? Green Bay Packers
TV Show? "The Middle"
Musical Group? Maroon 5 or The Zac Brown Band
Quote/motto? You have the power to make today the best day ever!
What do you plan to do after graduation?
I plan on moving home and continuing to work at Johnson Controls in Milwaukee. I hope my future involves more travelling and more learning each and every day.
If you could trade places with anyone, who would it be and why?
I am not sure about a specific person, but I would like to trade places with someone who is not a twin so I can see what the real amazement is with two people who look, sound and dress alike, since my sister and I constantly get stopped and stared at.
What is your greatest sports moment?
Defeating UW-Whitewater in the final of the 2014 WIAC Championship. Each member of our team had the right mindset. I felt like I could run for days and not get tired. We had the momentum and eventually the ball went into the net, and in five of the longest minutes of my life, we got to hold the championship trophy above our heads. I believe that another great sports moment is going to be made during my senior year too. There is a great energy on our team and I see lots of good coming our way!
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
I love to play intramural basketball, where I am also tournament champion! It helps to bring out my competitive side in the off-season and also reminds me of my glory days playing in high school.
One word that describes the team?
We actually have one phrase we aim to accomplish each day and it is "Prove It Today." No matter if you are playing a game, a scrimmage or are just practicing, we plan to push ourselves to show that each day anything is possible if you put in the hard work.
When you surf the web, the site you most often go to?
Lulus, which specializes in cute dresses and fashionable clothing for those times when I trade in the sweaty T-shirt and soccer shorts to show of my trendier side!
A non-athletic talent you have?
I love singing karaoke!
Three things on your "bucket list"?
1. Travel the world and try new foods
2. Attend a NCAA Division I March Madness basketball game
3. Go to Nashville
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event rituals? If so, what are they?
I say a little prayer, thanking God for my blessings and the strength he gives me each and every day. I pray that both teams can compete to their best abilities and that no one gets hurt. I thank him for my amazing family, the opportunity to play soccer and the beautiful Wisconsin weather he gives us.
Your worst habit is?
I am very indecisive … or am I?
Other 2016-17 UW-Oshkosh WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlights