Student-Athlete Spotlight: Emily Pomykalski, UW-Eau Claire
Each week during the 2015-16 academic year, the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (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: Emily Pomykalski
Institution: UW-Eau Claire
Hometown and High School: Cross Plains, Wis. (Middleton High School)
Year in school: Junior
Sport: Softball
Major: Kinesiology
Minor: Spanish
Why did you choose UW-Eau Claire?
UW-Eau Claire gave me the opportunity to pursue the career of exercise science and also provided me with the opportunity to play softball for a great D3 college. I had many friends that have said good things about this campus and once I visited myself, it felt like home.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned from being a student-athlete?
The greatest lesson I’ve learned from being a student-athlete is to keep life in perspective. Being able to walk on the field every day is a gift and a privilege that not many people get to experience. Having the opportunity to not only go to college, but also play a sport that I love is a blessing in itself and I am grateful for my abilities to perform everyday on and off the field.
What is your favorite…
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s? Chocolate Oreo Volcano
Menu item from Culver’s? Butterburger with onion rings
Spot on campus? Centennial 2nd floor by the windows
Class? Sports Psychology
Movie? Harry Potter
Food? Beer Brat
Holiday? Thanksgiving
TV Show? The Office
Quote/motto? “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight” – Proverbs 3:5-6
What is your fantasy job/career?
My dream job is to be a photographer for National Geographic and travel and document the beauty of this world.
What is your greatest sports moment?
Hitting a home run in the top of the 8th against Janesville to extend the lead.
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Team dinners and get together where we have food and typically a Wii to play Mario Kart against each other.
One word that describes the team?
Cohesive
One word that describes you?
Funny
If you could meet three people from throughout history they would be?
My grandpa, MLK, and Walt Disney
Your most prized possession is?
My Ipod, I love music and I don’t go anywhere without it.
A non-athletic talent you have is?
I’m really good with crafts and DIY projects, especially with wood and painting.
What does your "bucket list" include?
Walk on bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico, be an extra in a Hollywood Movie, be on the Amazing Race, blow glass, go see a performance at the Oprah house in Sydney Australia
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event rituals? If so, what are they?
Before we start our games, we get in a circle and visualize our best sport memories. Then, a group of us do “God squad” and pray before the game starts for various things.
Your worst habit is?
Binge watching Netflix.
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