Acacia Tupa, WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlight
Each week during the 2020-21 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: Acacia Tupa
Institution: UW-Oshkosh
Hometown (High School): Egg Harbor, Wis. (Southern Door High School)
Year in School: Senior
Sport(s): Softball
Major(s): Art Education
Minor(s): None
Why did you choose to attend UW-Oshkosh?
I knew Coach Beyer from travel ball and helping me with my recruiting video, along with some women on the team I knew prior to transferring from UW-Green Bay, and I wanted to play for him and join a successful softball program.
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
None.
What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
I like how competitive the WIAC is and how the teams we play bring out the best in me. I enjoy team camaraderie, making lifelong friends, and learning about art and teaching. Being a student-athlete has taught me time management, the importance of teamwork and leadership skills that I can use in my career as a teacher.
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver's? Mushroom and swiss burger
Flavor of the Day from Culver's? Caramel pecan
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus? The ceramics lab
Movie? Ratatouille
TV Show? Rick & Morty
Social Media Platform? Instagram
Food? Crab legs
Musical Group/Artist? Roy Woods
Professional Sports Athlete? "The Joker" Nikola Jokic
Hobby? Fishing and camping with my dad and sister
Quote/motto? Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
What is one word that describes you?
Goofball.
What is your greatest sports moment?
In high school I hit a home run to tie the score at 1-1 vs. Oconto and then hit a walk off homer in extra innings to win the game, 2-1. In college I made a game-saving catch that was over my head in center field vs. UW-Whitewater to seal the win.
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
Don't be afraid to challenge upperclassmen. Embrace your talent, and it will push everyone on the team to be better.
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field/mat with your teammates?
Play Super Smash Brothers on Nintendo Switch.
If you could trade places for a day with a person, who would it be and why?
Any professional athlete who gets to play the sport they love every day and get paid for it.
What is your dream job?
Be a stay at home mom and raise a family.
Three things on your "bucket list"?
Skydive
Visit Japan
Attend the College Softball World Series
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
I never untie my cleats because it's bad luck. I always sit on the left side of the bus when we travel. I always pray before we play.
What is your biggest "pet-peeve"?
When someone leaves cook time on the microwave and doesn't clear it.
2020-21 UW-Oshkosh WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlights
Nikki Arneson • Women's Basketball
Jarrett Lieder • Men's Swimmimg & Diving
Jennifer Lutz • Women's Swimming & Diving
Mallory Knight • Women's Soccer
Robert Ogbuli • Men's Track & Field