Softball

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Kelly Beck, UW-Stout

Each week during the 2022-23 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.


Name:  Kelly Beck
Institution:  UW-Stout
Hometown (High School):  Wadsworth, Ill. (Warren Township High School)
Year in school:  Senior
Sport:  Softball
Major:  Health, Wellness, and Fitness
Minor:  Human Physiology


Why did you choose UW-Stout?
I chose UW-Stout because this institution and athletic department really put emphasis on being a student before an athlete. All the athletes here play their sport for the love of the game, while also being able to put time and effort into their studies. I also love the small town/community within Menomonie!
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
SAAC and Stout Student Association.
 
What causes do you care about?
Mental health for athletes and gender equality of sports throughout all levels.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
I like competing in the WIAC because every team in the conference is top tier and great competition. Being able to compete as a NCAA Division III student-athlete has allowed me to focus and succeed in my academics, while still playing the sport I love at a very high level.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Chicken Tender Basket!
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Chocolate Caramel Twist
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  Memorial Student Center (MSC)
Movie?  League of Their Own
Holiday?  Thanksgiving
Food?  Spaghetti and meatballs
Musical Group/Artist?  One Direction
Professional Sports Athlete/Team?  Chicago Cubs
Vacation Spot?  Indian Rocks Beach, Fla.
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
Witnessing Kate Funk hit two back-to-back home runs in her first collegiate at bats.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Going to support and cheer on our other teams!
 
One word that describes your team?
Resilient.
 
One word that describes you?
Driven.
 
What is your dream job? 
Collegiate Athletic Trainer.
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Travel to Ireland.
---Go to Vegas with all 12 of my cousins.
---Snowboarding.
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
I am pro in Wii Sports and Mario Kart.

Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
I always have an energy drink or coffee on game day, but I’m not very superstitious.
 
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