Women's Soccer

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Emily Thill, UW-Whitewater

MADISON, Wis.--Each week during the 2023-24 academic year, the 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:  Emily Thill
Institution:  UW-Whitewater
Hometown (High School):  West Chicago, Ill. (St. Francis High School)
Year in school:  Senior
Sport:  Women’s Soccer
Major:  Marketing with an emphasis in Professional Sales

Why did you choose UW-Whitewater?
I chose Whitewater because of the team culture, athletic facilities, and the school felt like home to me. 
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
American Marketing Association and Student Athletic Advisory Committee.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
I enjoy competing in the WIAC as a NCAA Division III student-athlete because it offers a blend of competitive teams and a genuine passion for sports. Since we cannot be rewarded with athletic scholarships the focus is not on monetary gains - instead the pure love for the game. It’s a place where everyone’s passion shines through in every match. 
 
What is your favorite…
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Oreo Cheesecake
Menu item from Culver’s?  Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  Starbucks inside of Hyland Hall
Movie?  She’s the Man
Holiday?  Groundhog Day
Food?  Steak Tacos
Animal?  Kangaroo
Smartphone App?  TikTok
Musical Group/Artist?  Morgan Wallen
Professional Sports Athlete/Team?  Chicago Cubs
Vacation Spot?  Any beach
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
Scoring my first collegiate goal!
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Team walks, meals, and dance parties.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
My mom.
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
Set goals for yourself to achieve throughout your season/all four years. Also, learn from your setbacks - embrace your failures and use them as an opportunity for growth. Lastly, enjoy the journey - remember why you chose your sport and make sure to have fun along the way and really cherish your experience. 
 
One word that describes you?
Goofy.
 
What is your dream job? 
Zoologist.
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Skydiving.
---Pet a kangaroo.
---Meet Drake.
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
I can pogo stick while jump roping.

Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
Pregame dance party with my teammates and wear my hair the same with the same headband every game.
 
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