WIAC Spotlight • Jordyn Bratel
Each week during the 2013-14 academic year, the WIAC 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, and individuals are selected by the institution.
Name: Jordyn Bratel
Institution: UW-Oshkosh
Hometown (High School): Milwaukee, Wis. (Pius XI)
Year: Senior
Sport: Women's Volleyball
Majors: Criminal Justice and Psychology
Why did you choose to be a Division III student-athlete?
I chose to be a Division III student-athlete because I wanted to put as much effort into my schoolwork as I do on the court. Also, UW-Oshkosh was a great fit for me because it's not too far or too close from Milwaukee.
What do you like most about competing in the WIAC?
I like competing in the WIAC because all of our conference matches are in Wisconsin. My father has been my number-one supporter since I started playing sports. Playing in Wisconsin allows my father to be at every one of my games to cheer me and my teammates on!
What is the greatest lesson you have learned from being a student-athlete?
The best lesson I have learned is time management. Being an athlete and completing a double major in four years is not an easy task. Staying on a balanced schedule will help me in my future.
Who has been the most influential person in your athletic career?
My father has been the most influential person in my athletic career. He is the person who got me involved in sports at a very young age. Since I started competing he has been to most of, if not all, my games. He has influenced me to never give up in all areas of my life.
If you have been involved in community service projects, which project has been the most rewarding and why?
Every preseason we go on a team-building trip to a Girl Scout camp near Antigo. It's a great way to bond as a team and build relationships. While we are there, we get part of the camp ready for the winter. We take down the docks, pull in the boats and store life jackets, bed frames and other stuff the girls use while they are there during the summer months. It's a team effort, but we know it really helps out the people that run the camp.
If you could meet any athlete, who would it be and what one question would you ask them?
I would want to meet Michael Jordan and ask him what the best moment of his career was.
What is your greatest sports moment?
Winning the 16U national club volleyball championship.
What are your favorite TV shows?
Breaking Bad and Mob Wives.
What is your favorite food?
Steak tacos.
If you could live any place in the world, where would it be?
New York City or Boston. We are going out to Boston to play in November, so I am really excited for that experience.
What does your "bucket list" include?
Meet Steven Tyler and the rest of Aerosmith.
Go on an African or jungle safari.
Swim with the whales/dolphins at Sea World.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
To fly - I don't like waiting in traffic.
How would your teammates describe you?
Competitive, positive, determined, focused and dedicated.
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event rituals? If so, what are they?
Listen to my iPod on the way to the match. Also, once I step foot in the gymnasium, I don't look at my phone until we are done playing.
What is your dream job?
To work at the Federal Bureau of Investigation.