WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlight: Kayce Vaile
MADISON, Wis.- Each week during the 2023-24 academic year, the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) 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 will be posted every Thursday and individuals are selected by the institution. The WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlights are presented by Culver's. UW-Oshkosh women's basketball player Kayce Vaile is featured in this week's WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlight.
Name: Kayce Vaile
Institution: UW-Oshkosh
Hometown (High School): Greendale, Wis. (Greendale High School)
Year in school: Senior
Sport: Women's Basketball
Major: Elementary Education
Minor: Math
Why did you choose UW-Oshkosh?
I chose UW-Oshkosh because I felt immediately part of a family. The first time I ever walked on campus, I knew I would be supported here by my team and coaches, but also my professors. Coach Fischer supported me through my senior year of high school and the staff made it out to numerous games of mine. I knew that they wanted the best for me and would push me to be better each day.
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
I am Student-Athlete Advisory Committee president here on campus.
What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
We compete at a high level every game. There is no bad team in our conference. Each night you step on the floor it is going to be a fight for 40 minutes which I love. The WIAC does a lot also behind the scenes to support its athletes, which I have the privilege to be a part of as a member of SAAC.
What is your favorite…
Flavor of the Day from Culver's? Chocolate Volcano
Menu item from Culver's? Pretzel Bites with Cheese
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus? Second Floor in Reeve Union
Movie? Black Panther or Avatar
Holiday? Easter
Food? Broccoli
Animal? Giraffe
Smartphone App? SnapChat
Musical Group/Artist? Luke Combs
Professional Sports Athlete/Team? Green Bay Packers
Vacation Spot? Disney World
What is your greatest sports moment?
My greatest sports moment came when we played Simpson in the round of 32 of the NCAA Tournament. It was my sophomore year and the gym was packed. There was a tornado delay during warm ups which was crazy. We then came back on the floor and won the game. Simpson was the host school and projected to go to the Final Four that year, so winning that game and advancing was the best moment.
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
My favorite thing to do with my teammates is when we all just hang out and play games or watch a movie. I just love being around them. They are my home away from home and just being around them brightens my day.
Who is someone that you look up to?
I look up to my grandma a ton. She has been battling health issues for the past 6ish months and has just stayed strong through it all. It is inspiring to see someone fight each and everyday to get stronger for the people that she loves. I am dying for the moment when I get to see her in the stands again.
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
My advice is to stay present and own the moment. It isn't always guaranteed that you get to play basketball forever.
One word that describes you?
Radiant.
What is your dream job?
I want to be a math interventionist and help teachers teach their struggling students better.
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Travel to Europe.
---Visit all the National Parks.
---Skydive or Scuba Dive.
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
I know American Sign Language.
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
I used to be very superstitious in high school, but now the only thing that stays the same is when starting lineups get announced, I always wipe my shoes left then right and hit my feet twice on the floor.
Release courtesy of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference