Women's Basketball

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Julia Seidel, UW-River Falls

Each week during the 2023-24 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:  Julia Seidel
Institution:  UW-River Falls
Hometown (High School):  Wausau, Wis. (Wausau Newman Catholic High School)
Year in school:  Senior
Sport:  Women’s Basketball
Major:  Exercise and Sport Science
Minor:  Pre-Occupational Therapy

Why did you choose UW-River Falls?
I chose UW-River Falls because of the people I had met on many of my visits. I love the small town feel with a location close to the Cities with lots of educational and career opportunities. Lastly, I love the style of basketball the team plays, and it compliments my abilities perfectly.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee & Athletes Intervarsity.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
I love being part of the WIAC because on any given gameday, you can never be confident in knowing which team is going to win because of the high level of competition and talent in our league. I also love being in my home state so family and friends can support me and my team. Being an NCAA Division III athlete gives me the opportunity to be involved in my community and education, while also playing high level basketball with my amazing teammates.
 
What is your favorite…
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Really Reese’s
Menu item from Culver’s?  Cheese Curds
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  The University Center outdoor firepit where we do team bible study
Movie?  Footloose & The Hunger Games series
Holiday?  Fourth of July
Food?  Potatoes in any form
Animal?  Monkey
Smartphone App?  Among Us – our team plays everyday before practice or on road trips
Musical Group/Artist?  Cole Swindell
Professional Sports Athlete/Team?  Green Bay Packers
Vacation Spot?  Costa Rica
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
Making it to state in high school.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Watching other UW-River Falls teams compete and cheering them on, especially my roommates on the hockey and lacrosse teams.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
Lauren Shields, who I have been friends with and played basketball with from elementary through high school, and now she plays volleyball at UW-River Falls. She is an amazing friend, teammate, and role model and has taught me lot of life lessons and shown how to be a good leader.
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
Get to know each of your teammates on a personal level and prioritize friendships during the craziness of school and sports because those are the memories and relationships you will have for a lifetime.
 
One word that describes you?
Driven.
 
What is your dream job? 
Traveling Occupational Therapist.
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Travel to more countries in Europe.
---Study abroad or mission trip to Africa.
---See Morgan Wallen in concert.
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
I’m not very good at it, but I love dancing.

Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
I always eat spaghetti and meatballs before home games and pray with my team before games.
 
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