Softball

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Grace Gardner, 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:  Grace Gardner
Institution:  UW-River Falls
Hometown and High School:  Big Lake, Minn. (Big Lake High School)
Year in school:  Senior
Sport:  Softball
Major:  Computer Science
Minor:  Math

Why did you choose UW-River Falls?
I chose UW-River Falls because of the community I felt as soon as I stepped onto campus. The campus and town of River Falls felt like home immediately. I knew that I would be able to get a great education plus play the sport I love going to River Falls.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
I am involved in our Athlete’s Intervarsity and SAAC.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
Being part of the WIAC and being an NCAA Division III athlete has given me the greatest opportunity to grow the relationships I have with my teammates, coaches, professors, and fellow student athletes that I truly feel you can’t find anywhere else.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  The Butterburger Kids Meal
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Chocolate Covered Strawberry
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  The University Center (UC)
TV Show?  Modern Family
Holiday?  Christmas
Food?  Pizza
Animal?  Ducks
Smartphone App?  Tiktok
Musical Group or Artist?  Guns N’ Roses
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  Minnesota Twins
Vacation Spot?  The beaches in California
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
When me and two of my best friends got our first double play of the season last year in Florida.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Just hanging out with them, whether we are getting dinner, going to my house, or just driving around.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
My mom and dad.
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
Enjoy every single moment, it truly does go by so fast. Stay present where your feet are and soak in all the little moments.
 
One word that describes you?
Bubbly
 
What is your dream job? 
Working for the Minnesota Twins with Sports Analytics to help the professionals become better athletes.
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Travel outside of the country
---Ride in a hot air balloon
---Try scuba diving
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
Braiding hair

What’s your dream sporting event to attend?
The Super Bowl
 
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
Braiding my teammates hair and listening to hype music in our locker room.
 
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