Women's Basketball

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Ava Loftus, UW-Stevens Point

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:  Ava Loftus
Institution:  UW-Stevens Point
Hometown and High School:  Stoughton, Wis. (Stoughton High School)
Year in school:  Senior
Sport:  Women's Basketball
Major:  Health Science and Wellness
Minor:  Exercise Performance

Why did you choose UW-Stevens Point?
I chose UW-Stevens Point because of the relationships I created and the winning culture the team has been built on. Not only that but the community in Stevens Point and their support of women's basketball.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
I am currently the student president for the National Wellness Institute-Student Chapter group that we have on campus.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
The competitiveness and consistency of the WIAC year in and year out across all sports is what makes it so unique. As a Division III athlete, I get the chance to still be a student while also balancing and performing at a high level.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Butter burger
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Vanilla with Oreos and Reese cups
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  Chem Bio Building 3rd floor
TV Show?  Pretty Little Liars
Holiday?  Christmas
Food?  Chicken
Animal?  Dogs or capybara
Smartphone App?  TikTok
Musical Group or Artist?  Rihanna
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  Aja Wilson
Vacation Spot?  Portugal
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
Making the NCAA tournament my junior year.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Going out to eat, going to other sporting events, watching movies/shows, and just hanging out and having fun.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
Both of my parents have been great role models for me in so many different ways.
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
Through the good and the bad never take anything for granted. Time goes quickly, and the memories you make with your teammates are things you will remember for the rest of your life.
 
One word that describes you?
Committed
 
What is your dream job? 
Work as a professional exercise physiologist or strength and conditioning coach.
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Learn a new language
---Travel the country
---Start a side hustle/business
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
Cooking

What’s your dream sporting event to attend?
WNBA finals or Packers Superbowl game
 
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
I’m not very superstitious so the most I do before every game is just listen to music.
 
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