Women's Volleyball

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Maja Anderson, UW-Stout

Each week during the 2024-25 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:  Maja Anderson
Institution:  UW-Stout
Hometown (High School):  Eau Claire, Wis. (Eau Claire Memorial High School)
Year in school:  Junior
Sport:  Women’s Volleyball
Major:  Environmental Science
Minor:  Concentrating in Human Dimensions

Why did you choose UW-Stout?
I chose UW-Stout because I loved the hometown feel. The campus is beautiful and tightknit, without feeling too small. I love that we are so close to the downtown area and different parks and nature reserves. I also love the polytechnic aspect of the classrooms here and I was also drawn to how serious they take athletics.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
I am also a representative for SAAC.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
When searching for schools to continue to play at after high school, I knew I wanted a chance to play in the WIAC. The WIAC in Division III sports is the equivalent to the SEC in the college football. Every single conference game is competitive and you have to have your “A” game for every match. The energy and passion at these games is so incredible. Being a Division III athlete, you are playing for the love of the game, and I love that mentality.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Double Bacon Deluxe Butterburger
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Georgia Peach
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  Fireside Cafe
TV Show?  Greys Anatomy or The Office
Holiday?  Christmas
Food?  Sushi
Animal?  Lion
Smartphone App?  Spotify
Musical Group or Artist?  Zach Bryan
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  Kobe Bryant
Vacation Spot?  Sweden
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
Here at UW-Stout, probably sweeping Platteville this year at home!
At high school, playing in our crosstown North vs. Memorial rivalry game my senior year and beating them.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Last year, a couple of us went to a haunted house together and we had so much fun.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
My parents. They have overcome so many obstacles to get them and our family to where we are today. I'm so proud of them and so thankful for their support.
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
Bet on yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you can’t be great because you’re too small, too weak, on too low of a team, etc, etc. And if they do, prove them wrong! Find joy and strength in working hard because a work ethic will take you so far in life.
 
One word that describes you?
Relentless.
 
What is your dream job? 
To get paid to go to theme parks to try all of their food and drinks and give my opinions.
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Ride a camel in the desert.
---Go to Greece.
---Legit see the Northern Lights.
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
I can play the fiddle.

Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
During the National Anthem, I always close my eyes and visualize certain aspects of the game, like me passing, serving or playing defense.
 
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