Softball

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Greta Volkening, UW-Platteville

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:  Greta Volkening
Institution:  UW-Platteville
Hometown and High School:  Darlington, Wis. (Darlington High School)
Year in school:  Senior
Sport:  Softball
Major: Elementary Education
Minor: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Why did you choose UW-Platteville?
I chose UW-Platteville because it felt like a place that could be a home away from home. Both my parents and older sister graduated from UWP, so I spent a lot of time here in my youth. I knew the education program was amazing, and I could become a teacher while getting to play the sport I love.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
I am a member of the Pioneer Student Athlete Advisory Committee (PSAAC) and participate in Aspiring Educators.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
I like competing in the WIAC and being a Division III student-athlete because of the competition and environment. The WIAC continues to hold a name for itself for being one of the most competitive conferences in NCAA Division III. Being a Division III athlete allows me to build my future, while still competing at a high level.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Cheese Curds
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Double Strawberry
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  The Pioneer Involvement Center (PIC) in the downstairs of the Markee Pioneer Student Center
TV Show?  The Office
Holiday?  Christmas
Food?  Pasta
Animal?  Red Panda
Smartphone App?  Tik Tok
Musical Group or Artist?  Pink Floyd
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  Chicago Blackhawks
Vacation Spot?  Upper Peninsula Michigan (Munising and Marquette, MI)
 
What is your greatest sports moment?
Getting an in-the-park homerun my last year of travel softball.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Getting dinner or a sweet treat and chatting and laughing.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
My two older sisters.
  
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
Don't take the time for granted because, it's cliche, but it goes so fast. Appreciate all the little moments but also remember that you are a person first. Your mental, physical, and emotional health matters most.
 
One word that describes you?
Kind-hearted
 
What is your dream job?
To be the best teacher I can be.
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Visit the Netherlands
---Learn ASL
---Go whale watching
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
Painting

What’s your dream sporting event to attend?
An Olympic softball game!
 
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
I need to have my ribbons in my hair and throw/hit with my teammate, Cat.
 
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