Women's Outdoor Track and Field

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Megan Hunt, UW-Oshkosh

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: Megan Hunt
Institution: UW-Oshkosh
Hometown (High School): Lemont, Ill. (Lemont High School)
Year in school: Senior
Sports: Women’s Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field
Major: Kinesiology

Why did you choose UW-Oshkosh?
I chose to come to UW-Oshkosh mostly for athletics and especially the coaching staff. I love the family-oriented atmosphere and how supportive the coaching staff is. In addition, I love the small campus feel and the ability to get closely connected with the professors on campus. It was a great college experience for me.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
I am involved in the Kinesiology Club, Pre-Rehabilitation Professionals Society Club, and serve as a SAAC representative.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
One of the things I love about the WIAC is that it is an incredibly high-performing conference which pushes me each and every day. In addition, while it is the most competitive conference in the country, I have been able to make great friends with athletes from other schools. There is such a mutual respect. I love being an NCAA Division III student-athlete because it gives me many opportunities to compete and grow. I love all the experiences that I have gained competing. I never would have thought I would be at the level that I am at now, since I only started track my senior year in high school. Competing at the Division III level gives everyone the opportunity to grow and achieve.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s? Kids meal with a plain Butterburger and cheese curds
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s? Crazy for Cookie Dough
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus? Reeve Union
TV Show? Greys Anatomy
Holiday? Christmas
Food? Salmon with green beans and roasted potatoes
Animal? Baby Highland Cows
Smartphone App? Instagram
Musical Group or Artist? Old Dominion
Professional Sports Athlete or Team? Anna Hall
Vacation Spot? The family lake house in Michigan
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
My favorite sports moment is when I earned my first All-America honors in the pentathlon, placing sixth. This showed that all my hard work paid off after having multiple wrist surgeries and overcoming adversity.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
I like to have my teammates up to my parents’ lake house in the summer, spending the weekend together boating, swimming, and hanging out. In addition, the multi athletes will look for a new place to get a sweet treat occasionally.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
I look up to many people in my life, but one that stands out is my grandpa. My grandpa is one of the kindest, most selfless people I have ever met. He always puts others first and I love so many qualities about him. He has helped me become the person I am, and I hope I can emulate the person that he is.
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
For those incoming high school students who are looking to compete in athletics, realize that the division you go to shouldn’t be the driver. Go where you feel it is the best fit for you and has the coaching staff you would like to compete for. 
 
One word that describes you?
Competitive.
 
What is your dream job? 
My dream job is to be a physical therapist for a professional sports team. I cannot wait for the opportunity to help others like they helped me when I was working through my injuries.
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Go on a family trip to Europe.
---Go skydiving.
---Meet Anna Hall.
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is
I am a very good cook and baker.

Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
The night before each meet I need to have pasta with red sauce and some grilled chicken. The morning of each meet I must have a peanut butter bagel and a banana with a glass of cranberry juice. I also bring the same snacks to every meet, and they are GoGo squeezes and fruit snacks. My parents always bring me a Jimmy John’s sandwich of just turkey and bread for during the meet. Before each jumping attempt I need to do four calf raises and I must tap my right foot four times before taking my first step of my approach. I’m not sure if it does anything, but it works for me.
 
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