Women's Tennis

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Olivia Pethan, UW-Oshkosh

Each week during the 2025-26 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:  Olivia Pethan
Institution:  UW-Oshkosh
Hometown and High School:  Oshkosh, Wis (Fox Valley Lutheran High School)
Year in school:  Junior
Sport: Women’s Tennis
Majors: Accounting and Finance

Why did you choose UW-Oshkosh?
I chose UW-Oshkosh because it has a good business school and athletic teams. I wanted to play tennis collegiately and am from the area.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
What I like most about the WIAC is how competitive every match is. Being an NCAA DIII student-athlete has taught me many valuable lessons including how to manage my time between athletics and academics. I have gained a community and it is a great opportunity to continue competing in the sport that I love.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  A Butterburger with ketchup pickles, and raw onions
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Really Reese’s
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  Reeve Union
TV Show?  Everybody Loves Raymond
Holiday?  Christmas
Food?  Pizza
Animal?  Goat
Smartphone App?  Instagram
Musical Group or Artist?  Morgan Wallen
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  Roger Federer
Vacation Spot?  Yellowstone
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
Playing No. 1 singles as a freshman.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Going out to eat after our matches.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
My parents.
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
I would tell them to enjoy the moment and take advantage of every opportunity they are given. These years go by fast so soak in every practice, match, and team event. Don’t be afraid to reach out to teammates, coaches, trainers, or professors if needed, everybody is there to help.
 
One word that describes you?
Resilient
 
What is your dream job? 
Partner at a mid-size accounting firm
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Travel to Italy
---Go to Wimbledon
---Visit all 50 states
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
Baking

What’s your dream sporting event to attend?
Wimbledon or the NFC Championship game at Lambeau Field
 
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
I always wear the same necklace during matches.
 
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