Softball

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Rhiann Dick, UW-Whitewater

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:  Rhiann Dick
Institution:  UW-Whitewater
Hometown (High School):  Palatine, Ill. (Palatine High School)
Year in school:  Junior
Sport:  Softball
Major:  Elementary Education 
Minor:  English as a Second Language (ESL)


Why did you choose UW-Whitewater?
I chose Whitewater because it was known for having an amazing teaching program, along with a number of successful athletic programs. After meeting with prior members of the softball team and the coaching staff, I knew it was the best place for me because it would be my second home away from home.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
I love spending time at Fairhaven Senior Services. When I volunteer and work with the residents it always brings joy to my day and we love it when they come out to support and watch our games.
 
What causes do you care about?
Mental health is something really important for anyone to feel comfortable talking about. I love playing with green ribbons in my hair every game to help show my support for mental health awareness for ALL athletes around the country.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
The WIAC conference is one of the most competitive Division III conferences in the country. It is really fun to be a part of because no one ever knows who is going to win and as a team, we constantly have to show our best game on any given day. Division III student-athletes also have the time to focus on their academics, while still playing a sport they truly love.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Cheese Curds
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Crazy for Cookie Dough
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  UC Breakfast
Movie?  The Hunger Games Trilogy but specifically Catching Fire
Holiday?  Christmas
Food?  Buffalo Wings with EXTRA ranch
Musical Group/Artist?  Morgan Wallen
Professional Sports Athlete/Team?  Dallas Cowboys & Chicago Cubs
Vacation Spot?  Disney World
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
During my sophomore year of high school, my team finished third in State. The run we had made all year was one of the most fun experiences I had ever been a part of and will never forget it. An added bonus was when my mom bet me $100 if I hit my first home run and I hit one against our crosstown rival.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
We love having Powerpoint nights or bonfires together! An added bonus is when Taylor Koehler (the best chef around) cooks us all a team dinner for us to share. 
 
One word that describes your team?
Unique.
 
One word that describes you?
Understanding.
 
What is your dream job? 
A fourth-grade teacher.
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Swim with dolphins.
---Visit all 50 states.
---Take an Alaskan Cruise with my mom.
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
Not sure if this counts, but I’d consider myself to be a proficient Spanish speaker. What many people may not know is that in high school, I was one test away from being considered fluent in the language.  

Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
I am not a very superstitious person (thank you Beth), but I ALWAYS will have some sort of braid or bubble in my hair, thanks to our amazing team hair stylist, Claire Kohnle. 
 
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