Student-Athlete Spotlight: Kristen Haider, UW-Superior
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 and individuals are selected by the institution.
Name: Kristen Haider
Institution: UW-Superior
Hometown (High School): Dassel, Minn. (Dassel-Cokato)
Year: Senior
Sport: Softball
Major: Business Management, International Business
Why did you choose to be a Division III student-athlete?
I always wanted to play a college sport when I was growing up and when I found my love of softball, Division III seemed like the right place for me to play. You don’t play a Division III sport because of the scholarships or spotlight but because of the love of the sport and that’s why I wanted to be apart of it.
What do you like most about competing in the WIAC?
The competition in the WIAC is one of the best in the country for Division III. I walk into each game knowing that these girls are some of the best. Every game is a battle and each day is different. No matter whom you are playing it will always be a challenge.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned from being a student-athlete?
It’s hard to believe that four years ago, I was thinking that I still had so much more softball to play and now I am learning that everything can be gone before you realize it. You have to treat every day like it’s your last because you don’t know how fast it truly will go until it is over. But ultimately I learned how blessed I am to be able to play the sport I love.
If you have been involved in community service projects, which project has been the most rewarding and why?
This spring all the athletes got together with the Challenge Center here in Superior to put on an event for the handicapped in our community. Each sport did their own event and it was awesome seeing the smiles on their faces as they learned something new and did something they loved with the athletes in the community.
When you were growing up, what did you want to be?
I always wanted to be playing in the Women’s College World Series for softball and also to play in the Olympics.
What is your fantasy job/career?
To work in the front office for the Minnesota Twins.
What is your favorite…
Spot on campus? Hanging out with the softball team in between classes in the Marcovich Wellness Center
Class? Human Resource Management
Movie? the new Footloose
Food? Brats off the grill
Holiday? Christmas
TV Show? NCIS
Sports Team? Minnesota Twins
Professional Athlete? Michael Cuddyer
Quote/motto? “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” –Gandhi
What is your greatest sports moment?
After having a rough season as a team, knowing we were not going to make playoffs but still battling back and getting a win against River Falls. In that game, I hit my first home run on that field as well.
A non-athletic talent you have is?
Cooking and planning my next trip.
What does your "bucket list" include?
Watching a game in every Major League Baseball field with my dad.
How would your teammates describe you?
A great leader who is dedicated not only to softball but also to my teammates.
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event rituals? If so, what are they?
Send a prayer to God saying that all the glory goes to Him and ask Him to help me to be the best that I can be.
Your worst habit is?
Losing my phone. It always seems to disappear or I forget where I put it, good thing my teammates are always looking out for me!
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