Women's Basketball

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Olivia Hoerl, UW-River Falls

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 Hoerl
Institution:  UW-River Falls
Hometown and High School:  Chilton, Wis. (Chilton 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 from my very first visit I felt welcomed by the coaches and team, and the city has an amazing community atmosphere. I instantly felt like I was valued as not only a player but as a person, and that ultimately is what led me to chose UW-River Falls.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
I am one of my team’s representatives in Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)!

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
I love competing in the WIAC because it is one of the strongest Division III women’s basketball conferences in the country. Every game is so competitive, and on any given day, any team no matter where they stand can win. This level of competition makes every game a major challenge, knowing that every team you face is going to bring their best effort. What I enjoy most about being a Division III athlete is that everyday you are competing because you genuinely love the sport, and not because of external factors. Division III athletics allows people to have a healthy balance between, athletics, academics, and having the time to develop strong relationships with teammates and the community.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Butter Burger
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Really Reese’s
Non-Athletic Spot On Campus?  Rodli Hall
TV Show?  Outer Banks
Holiday?  Christmas
Food?  Yogurt bowls or crunchy green grapes
Animal?  My family’s cat named Binx
Smartphone App?  TikTok
Musical Group or Artist?  Morgan Wallen
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  Paige Bueckers, Green Bay Packers
Vacation Spot?  Anywhere warm and sunny where there is a lake or a beach!
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
Reaching 1,000 career points in high school or our win against nationally ranked UW-Oshkosh on our home floor last season (2024-25).
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Go on walks and team meals where we are all together and hang out!
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
My mom. She has always been my biggest supporter, doing anything to help me become the best basketball player I can be, driving countless hours to watch me play. I strive to one day be as selfless as her and show the same level of support towards my own future kids.
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
Some words of advice I have for younger student-athletes is to value your health and take care of your body. College athletics can take a significant toll on your body not only physically, but mentally as well. Taking the time to do the small things like getting enough rest, eating well, and staying hydrated can make such a big difference in both performance and overall well-being. This is definitely something I wish I took more seriously going into college basketball! Another important piece of advice is to be coachable. No matter what level you play a sport at, there is always something to learn and room for growth. How you take the feedback and respond to it is ultimately what makes a difference in your improvement and success.
 
One word that describes you?
Calm
 
What is your dream job?
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Travel to Italy or Greece
---Build my dream home on a lake
---Road trip through national parks
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
I am really good at braiding hair and can do pretty much any type of braid you can think of!

What’s your dream sporting event to attend?
WNBA Finals Game or NCAA March Madness.
 
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
I have to have an apple before every game and do my hair the same way. My pregame ritual would be hanging out, chatting, and listening to music with my teammates!
 
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