Student-Athlete Spotlight: Abbigale Priestley, UW-Oshkosh

Each week during the 2022-23 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:  Abbigale Priestley

Institution:  UW-Oshkosh

Hometown (High School):  Menasha, Wis. (Neenah High School)

Year in school:  Freshman

Sport:  Women’s Swimming & Diving

Major:  Physical Ed

Minor:  Coaching

Why did you choose UW-Oshkosh?

I chose to continue my education at UWO, because I knew I wanted to stay close to my family, have a great education program, and to dive Division III! Since I am close to my family, I am able to invite them to watch my competitions more often!

What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?

None, full-time student taking 14 credits, go into work 2 days a week/pick up shifts on the weekends when I don’t have competitions, and get in 2 1/2 hours of practice in 4 days a week! I like to work out in my free time as well.

 

What causes do you care about?

I love coaching the younger generation, but this year I will be volunteering for the Special Olympics. I am very excited to help make a difference in lives of others. One of my aunts is mentally disabled and she is the most amazing person I know even though all of the challenges she has to face daily.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?

It’s an amazing opportunity to dive with so many talented athletes and to watch them progress through the years at every meet!!

 

What is your favorite…

Menu item from Culver’s?  The classic kids meal! ~ Hamburger with pickles & ketchup, french fries, chocolate milk, and lastly, vanilla ice cream with wild cherry and brownie dough bites!!! (the absolute best!!!)

Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Peanut Butter Overload!!

Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  Clow Cafe

Movie?  “The Best of Me”

Holiday?  Thanksgiving

Food?  Chalupa

Musical Group/Artist?  Bruno Mars

Professional Sports Athlete/Team?  Packers

Vacation Spot?  Florida – the beach

 

What is your greatest sports moment? 

State diving competitions all four years of high school and getting the chance to stand on the podium my junior and senior year!

 

What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field (out of the water/off the diving boards) with your teammates?

All of our team gatherings, including mostly team dinners! We all help each other out when we have questions or are in need of help as well.

 

One word that describes your team?

Friendly!

 

One word that describes you?

Determined.

 

What is your dream job? 

Stay at home mom (way down the road)!!!

 

Three things on your “bucket list”?

—Swat Valley.

—Bali, Indonesia.

—Have kids (future).

 

A non-athletic talent that you have is?

I enjoy pottery (sculpting)!!

Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?

While I get ready for my competitions, I always tell myself to be aggressive and go for every jump!! I get up on the diving board and always jump at the end of it to get a good feeling of the board, next I slip my dive cap on so that my hair stays out of my face while I’m competing! Finally, I know I am ready to do what I love doing most!


 

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