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:  Izzy Peterson
Institution:  UW-Platteville
Hometown and High School:  Sioux Falls, S. Dak. (Roosevelt High School)
Year in school:  Senior
Sport: Women’s Track & Field
Major: English
Minor: Creative Writing

Why did you choose UW-Platteville?
For the small-town atmosphere and good people.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
Social media manager and Co submissions manager for the literary magazine (Spirit Lake Review).

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
It's great being part of the WIAC because it's one of the most competitive Division III conferences. I love the grind of the Division III student athlete life, there is no money so everyone shows up purely to get better every day.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Andes Mint Avalanche
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Chocolate Custard with brownie pieces
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  Frasatti’s Coffee House
TV Show?  New Girl
Holiday?  St. Patrick’s Day
Food?  Steak and noodles
Animal?  Penguin
Smartphone App?  Photos App
Musical Group or Artist?  The Kid LAROI
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  Nikki Hiltz – a 1500-meter Olympian
Vacation Spot?  Aspen, Colorado
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
For me, my greatest sports moment was competing in the 100-meter final at the state meet my senior year. I got to compete with a close friend, and it was the first time I really saw hard work pay off in a big way.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Go get coffee or boba.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
I look up to Gabby Douglas. I watched The Gabby Douglas Story when I was younger and was so inspired by her and the sacrifices she made for her dream.
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
Compete and train from your heart, use your sport as a platform of expression rather than feeling like you have to prove something.
One word that describes you?
Creative
 
What is your dream job? 
Building a mentorship program for kids to grow creatively and athletically.
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Produce a song
---Publish a poetry book
---Skydive
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
Creative writing and songwriting.

What’s your dream sporting event to attend?
The Summer Olympics.
 
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
For my pre-event warmup I've started including the griddy in my last build up. It helps me stay silly and expressive under pressure and surprisingly works as a good drop in start.