Women's Gymnastics

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Lydia Hayden, 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:  Lydia Hayden
Institution:  UW-Oshkosh
Hometown and High School:  Broomfield, Colo. (Broomfield High School)
Year in school:  Senior
Sport:  Gymnastics
Major:  Criminal Justice
Minor: Military Science
 
Why did you choose UW-Oshkosh?
The strong sense of community and family culture is what stood out to me most. From the moment I arrived on campus, it was clear that the professors genuinely care about their students and want them to succeed both academically and personally. The athletic department is also incredibly supportive of student-athletes, who encourage each other not only during their seasons but year-round. No matter where you go on campus, UW-Oshkosh truly feels like a family, and that environment has helped me grow in many ways.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
In addition to athletics, I am actively involved in the United States Army ROTC program. ROTC has given me valuable leadership experience, strengthened and helped prepare me for my future career. It has also connected me with a group of highly motivated peers who push me to be my best every day.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
The WIAC is an extremely competitive conference, and each school challenges the others to perform at a higher level. Being a Division III student-athlete is something I take great pride in because everyone competes for the love of their sport. In gymnastics, especially, there is a unique sense of mutual respect among us. At the end of the competition, we support one another because we all understand the hard work, sacrifices, and dedication it takes to balance academics and athletics. That shared passion and respect make the experience truly special.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Chicken Tenders
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Vanilla ice cream with raspberries and cheesecake bites
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  Roof-top patio seating in Reeve
TV Show?  The Rookie, any crime documentary
Holiday?  Fourth of July
Food?  Pasta
Animal?  Elephant
Smartphone App?  FaceTime
Musical Group or Artist?  Country
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  CO Avalanche Hockey or NASCAR
Vacation Spot?  The Mountains
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
Winning national championships in my freshman and sophomore years stands out as my greatest sports moment. Those victories were incredibly meaningful because they reflected the hard work, dedication, and commitment our team put in every single day. Another highlight was beating two NCAA Division I teams this year. Moments like that are unforgettable, especially because we proved what we are capable of as an NCAA Division III program. There is nothing quite like achieving those milestones alongside the teammates you train with every day and sharing the reward for all of the effort you’ve put in together.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Go on walks by the river (when it’s nice out), try new dinner places, and of course, spend time watching movies and chatting about life.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
My sisters are the people I look up to the most. They have always been there for me, supporting and encouraging me through both the highs and the lows. They lead by example through their hard work and the way they treat others. Having their constant support has helped shape who I am today, and they continue to inspire me to be the best version of myself and who I want to become.
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
Always remember to have fun, both within your sport and outside of it. The experience goes by quickly, so enjoy the process and the relationships you build along the way. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone, try new things, and grow as a person. Your sport is an important part of who you are, but it doesn’t define you entirely. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn, develop, and make lasting memories.
 
One word that describes you?
Caring
 
What is your dream job? 
To travel the world for a living.
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---See the Northern Lights in Alaska
---Go to New Zealand
---Visit all 50 States
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
Baking, favorite thing to bake is chocolate chip banana bread.

What’s your dream sporting event to attend?
The Olympics.
 
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
I eat Goldfish after warmups and right before we walk out. My teammate Amaya is the only one who can braid my hair, and my teammate Aleah is the only one allowed to put my bow in my hair.
 
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