Division III Week Spotlight: Rahdea Jarvis & Amanda Mc Ilhany
UW-Oshkosh is among 446 member institutions taking part in NCAA Division III Week from April 5-11.
This year's Division III Week has taken place during an unprecedented time in our nation's history for the second consecutive year, but its purpose is to observe and celebrate the impact of athletics and of student-athletes on campus and in the surrounding community.
The event is part of Division III's Identity Initiative, which was introduced in 2010 to sharpen the division's identity and to enable schools and conferences to more effectively explain why they prefer to compete in Division III. The initiative has been guided by a strategic-positioning platform, describing Division III as a place where student-athletes can "follow your passions and develop your potential" within an approach that combines rigorous academics, competitive sports and an opportunity to pursue other interests.
UW-Oshkosh is extremely thankful for the impact that each of our current and former student-athletes have made. They are the nucleus of our Titan Family!
To help focus in on the 640-plus student-athletes that represent UW-Oshkosh each year, let's put the spotlight on junior gymnast Rahdea Jarvis and senior softball player Amanda Mc Ilhany. Here's what you need to know about them:
Rahdea Jarvis
Hometown (High School): Brookfield, Wis. (Brookfield Central High School)
Sport: Women's gymnastics
Year: Junior
Major: Business management
Why Did You Choose To Attend UW-Oshkosh?
I chose UW-Oshkosh because from the moment I stepped on campus I knew that it was the right fit for me. Everyone I met on my recruiting trip was so nice and it just felt like home.
What Is The Best Thing About Competing In Athletics At UW-Oshkosh?
The atmosphere. I love being a part of something so much bigger than just one team. I have so much fun going and supporting other teams and I love looking out in the stands and seeing other student-athletes supporting me. This was what I missed the most about having no fans due to COVID-19.
What Is Your Proudest UW-Oshkosh Athletics Memory?
My proudest UW-Oshkosh memory is wining the team title at the 2020 WIAC Championship.
What Have You Learned About Yourself From Competing In Athletics At UW-Oshkosh?
I have learned a lot about myself from competing at UW-Oshkosh. I would say the most important thing I've learned about myself is that I am a lot stronger when I have a team standing beside me. I have grown a lot as a gymnast and as a person from spending so much time with my amazing team.
What Do You Plan To Do After Graduation?
After graduation, I plan to attend Law School to get my Juris Doctor degree and then pursue a career in sports management and administration.
Favorite Opponent: UW-Whitewater
Favorite Competition Venue: Kolf Sports Center
Favorite Professional Athlete: Serena Williams
Favorite Professional Team: Detroit Lions
Favorite UW-Oshkosh Academic Course: Business Law
Favorite Hobby: Cooking and watching crime shows
Favorite Prized Possession: 2020 Conference Championship Ring
Favorite Book: A Tale of Two Cities
Favorite Television Show: Criminal Minds
Favorite Actor: Michael B. Jordan
Favorite Movie: Girls Trip
Favorite Singer/Group: Drake
Favorite Food: Tacos
Favorite Restaurant: Bravo!
Favorite Video Game: NBA 2K
Favorite Vacation Spot: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Favorite Person To Meet: Serena Williams
Favorite Role Model: My mom
Favorite Mobile App: Subway Surfers
Greatest Fear: Spiders
Biggest Pet Peeve: A disorganized chalk box!
Amanda Mc Ilhany
Hometown (High School): Alsip, Ill. (Marist High School)
Sport: Softball
Year: Senior
Major: Dual major in early childhood and Special Education
Why Did You Choose To Attend UW-Oshkosh?
I chose UW-Oshkosh because from the moment I stepped on campus it felt very comfortable. It was the type of environment I wanted to spend the next four years at. Also, I really liked that there were many things to do around the Oshkosh campus such as going bowling, to the mall or to the movies.
What Is The Best Thing About Competing In Athletics At UW-Oshkosh?
The best thing about competing in athletics at UW-Oshkosh is that I am able to compete and play softball in one of the strongest Division III conferences in the country.
What Is Your Proudest UW-Oshkosh Athletics Memory?
My proudest memory in UW-Oshkosh athletics was during my freshman year when our softball team received an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III Championship. I remember sitting in the locker room watching the selection show and when our name came up on the screen, we all jumped up and down. It made me feel proud as we worked so hard as a team to accomplish that. Some of the seniors started crying because our season was not over.
What Have You Learned About Yourself From Competing In Athletics At UW-Oshkosh?
I have learned how to improve my skills at being a leader, on and off the field. UW-Oshkosh softball also has contributed to teaching me how to be a well-rounded person.
What Do You Plan To Do After Graduation?
After graduation I plan to get a full-time job as an early childhood or special education teacher. Also, I would like to eventually coach softball at the high school level.
Favorite Opponent: UW-Whitewater
Favorite Competition Venue: UW-Oshkosh Softball Park
Favorite Professional Athlete: Kris Bryant
Favorite Professional Team: Chicago Cubs
Favorite UW-Oshkosh Academic Course: All of my initial practicum classes I took for teaching. The teachers were amazing.
Favorite Hobby: Crafting, baking, cooking
Favorite Prized Possession: State championship ring
Favorite Book: Any book by Nicholas Sparks
Favorite Television Show: Vampire Diaries
Favorite Actor: Zooey Deschanel
Favorite Movie: Soul
Favorite Singer/Group: Luke Bryan
Favorite Food: Steak or Chicago-style hot dog
Favorite Restaurant: Hog Wild
Favorite Video Game: Mario Party
Favorite Vacation Spot: Somewhere warm
Favorite Person To Meet: Bruno Mars
Favorite Role Model: My Papa!
Favorite Mobile App: Snapchat, Instagram
Greatest Fear: Someone being in my car at night when I'm driving home alone
Biggest Pet Peeve: Chewing with your mouth open or scraping your teeth with your silverware