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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: Ryan Kelly
Institution: UW-Stout
Hometown and High School: Huntley Ill. (Huntley High School)
Year in school: Senior
Sport: Baseball
Major: Construction Management
Why did you choose UW- Stout?
I chose UW-Stout because it offered everything, I was looking for both academically and athletically. The polytechnic approach really stood out to me because I wanted a hands-on education that would prepare me for a career in construction management. On top of that, I really liked the baseball program, especially the coaching staff and the opportunity to come in and compete right away. It felt like a place where I could make an impact from the start and continue to grow on and off the field.
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
Sigma Lambda Chi
What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
What I like most about competing in the WIAC and being a Division III student-athlete is how much pride everyone takes in it. The competition is tough every day, and I like being pushed by good teams and players. There is nothing like competing in the WIAC.
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s? Double Deluxe Butter Burger
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s? Crazy for Cookie Dough
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus? Memorial Student Center
TV Show? Breaking Bad
Holiday? Christmas
Food? BBQ
Animal? Dogs
Smartphone App? Stake US
Musical Group or Artist? AC/DC
Professional Sports Athlete or Team? Chicago White Sox / Yadier Molina
Vacation Spot? Anywhere in Florida
What is your greatest sports moment?
Hitting a go-ahead homerun to send my team to the state sectional game.
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Cheering on the hockey team at their games.
Who is someone that you look up to?
My parents, they raised me right and I look to continue that pattern.
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
Always push yourself, there will be days when you don’t want to get up for that early morning workouts, but you must because those days are when you make the most improvements.
One word that describes you?
Relentless
What is your dream job?
Professional Baseball Player
Three things on your “bucket list”?
—Skydiving
—Traveling to Ireland
—Driving over 200 mph
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
Cooking
What’s your dream sporting event to attend?
Game 7 of the World Series
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
When I am putting on my catcher’s gear, I always have to put my right leg gear on first no matter what.
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