Each week during the 2024-25 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: Kelly Huerta
Institution: UW-Whitewater
Hometown and High School: McHenry, Ill. (Community)
Year in school: Freshman
Sport: Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field
Major: Finance
Why did you choose UW- Whitewater?
I chose UW-Whitewater for a variety of reasons including the close distance to home, the beautiful campus, the business program, and the coaches clear vision for me on the track team.
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
Not many clubs/organizations that I am interested in work with my schedule but I am looking into joining an organization next year!
What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
I really enjoy being in the WIAC and being a NCAA Division lll student athlete due to how competitive our conference is and just the diversity within it. We have a lot of talented athletes who have so much love for track which makes it so fun to compete in. I also appreciate how much support I get here.
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s? ButterBurger w/ cheese and a side of fries
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s? Chocolate Oreo Volcano
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus? The UC
Holiday? Christmas
Food? Anything my dad cooks
Animal? Sloth
Smartphone App? Instagram
Professional Sports Athlete or Team? Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone
Vacation Spot? Summer Camping trips
What is your greatest sports moment?
My greatest sports moment has to be running the 4x100m relay for the first time at UW-Whitewater and breaking the school record. Track can be a hard sport since it can feel individualized at times but in a relay, you can really see and feel all of us working together to achieve something. I am lucky to have such a supportive and tight knit team.
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
I enjoy going out to eat and going shopping after practice with my teammates
Who is someone that you look up to?
I really admire my parents. They are such kindhearted and hard working people that I really aspire to be like someday. I wouldn’t be here without all their love and support.
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
It may not be an easy transition and at times it may feel like you have a lot going on but if you have a passion for the sport it will all come together. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to be a student-athlete so don’t take it for granted and enjoy every moment…it won’t last forever!
One word that describes you?
Ambitious.
What is your dream job?
I want to own a Personal Finance Business as well as possibly get into coaching for track.
Three things on your “bucket list”?
—Travel the world
—Skydiving
—Volunteer in a different country
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
I took many culinary classes in high school and I enjoy cooking and trying new recipes!
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
I always make sure to thank God for the opportunity he has given me to be here and trust his plan for me, especially before a meet.
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