WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlight • Krystal Walker
Each week during the 2014-15 academic year, the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference will feature two student-athletes (one male and one female) from one of its nine institutions for a "Student-Athlete Spotlight" Q & A segment. The segments will be posted every Thursday on the WIAC website.
Name: Krystal Walker
Institution: UW-Oshkosh
Hometown (High School): Chicago, Ill. (Northtown Academy)
Year: Junior
Sport(s): Gymnastics
Major(s): Kinesiology, Emphasis: Strength and Conditioning
Minor(s): None
Why did you choose to be a Division III student-athlete?
I chose to be a Division III athlete because I wanted a nice balance between my sport and academics. I loved the emphasis of the student-athlete at UW-Oshkosh and felt it was the best place for me.
What do you like most about competing in the WIAC?
I love how close some of the teams in the WIAC are. Our relationships with some of the other schools make competitions even more fun and provide a great energy in the gym.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned from being a student-athlete?
Life is all about balancing work and play. I've learned throughout my time as a student-athlete how to manage my time this way. Hard work pays off!
If you have been involved in community service projects, which project has been the most rewarding and why?I really enjoyed working with the Salvation Army, serving meals to underprivileged people in the Oshkosh community
When you were growing up, what did you want to be?
Growing up, I wanted to be a nurse practitioner. My mom is a nurse practitioner, and she has been a big role model for me.
What is your fantasy job/career?
My fantasy job is to be a physical therapist. Because of my love for gymnastics and athletics, I have always wanted to work with athletes. Being a physical therapist would allow me to help athletes do what they love.
What is your favorite …
Spot on campus? Reeve Memorial Union
Class? Psychology
Movie? "Primal Fear"
Food? Mexican
Holiday? Christmas
TV Show? "Scandal"
Sports Team? Dallas Cowboys
Professional Athlete? Dez Bryant
Quote/motto? "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness
that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?" – Nelson Mandela
What is your greatest sports moment?
Qualifying by a very small fraction of a point for last year's NCGA Championship as a team is a moment I will never forget.
Your most prized possession is?
My high school class ring. My dad got it for me, and it is very special. He is the No. 1 man in my life!
A non-athletic talent you have is?
I am a professional ballroom dancer. And I make the best chocolate covered strawberries ever! (But not fried chicken … the fire department made a visit to a team dinner once.)
The best sporting event that you ever attended was?
The best sporting event that I attended was this past year when the Badgers played Minnesota for a spot in the Big 10 championship, and they won!
What does your "bucket list" include?
I would love to have the opportunity to go the Atlantis Hotel in the Bahamas and take a trip to Africa.
How would your teammates describe you?
My teammates would probably tell you that I am energetic and fun to be around. Some would say it is hard to be serious when they are on an event with me.
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event rituals? If so, what are they?
Before almost every event I spray my hands and feet with water. Without it, I feel like I have no grip.
Your worst habit is?
I unconsciously scratch my legs sometimes. Because of this, I always have to have my nails done.
Other 2014-15 UW-Oshkosh WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlights
Sean Dwyer • Men's Basketball
Nate Ray • Football