Fox Valley Association

Each week during the 2014-15 year beginning in late October, the Fox Valley Association will feature two student-athletes (one male and one female) from one of its 10 schools for a "Student-Athlete Spotlight" Q & A segment. The segments will be posted every Tuesday and Thursday and individuals are selected by the school.

Name: Katharine Tippins

School: Oshkosh North

Sports: Swimming and Diving

Other school clubs/activities: Polaris National Honors Society, Hispanic Honors Society, Math Club, Key Club

Parents’ names: Michael and Karen Tippins

Siblings’ names: Lindsay Tippins

Favorite aspect of your school: My favorite part of being a Spartan is the staff and teachers that we are lucky enough to have. Everyone at Oshkosh North is fully committed to the success of each student and goes beyond the call of duty to ensure that each of us receives a quality education, and still have a lot of fun in high school.

Favorite aspect about being involved in school activities: The best thing about being involved in school activities is the opportunity to represent our school and have a chance to show some Spartan pride, as well as the people you meet and friendships that you form as a result of these activities.  It is a really cool thing to spend time with people who have the same interests as you, but also can offer some varying and insightful viewpoints.  Personally, I have met lots of friends though club and activity involvement.

If you have been involved in community service projects, which has been most rewarding and why? The most rewarding community service project that I have been a part of was raising money, then participating in, the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics. Other than being a unique opportunity to give back and get the word out about the Special Olympics (jumping in a frozen lake is certainly not an experience to be forgotten), it is an amazing cause to donate time and money to and I have had the privilege of meeting athletes who have benefited from the competition.  

College or post-high school plans: My college plans are, hopefully, to become a Badger and attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the fall.

What is your desired major/career field? I plan to study biology with a focus in neuroscience.  Ultimately I would like to go to medical school to become a doctor.  My goal is to become a clinical pathologist.

What is your favorite class? Psychology or Chemistry

Who is your favorite teacher? It really depends on who is reading this

Favorite book: The Da Vinci Code

Favorite youth coach: Tracy Gilles (YMCA OSHY Swim Team)

What is the best advice one of your coaches has given you? Don't judge yourself as a swimmer based on your times, judge yourself based on your effort.

Something people would be surprised to know about me is…: I like musical theater, especially productions that my little sister is in.

Favorite place to play on the road in the FVA? Neenah

Favorite athlete to compete against in the FVA: Hannah Sisto (Neenah)

Favorite memory from being involved in co-curricular activities is…: Swim team pasta parties

Favorite professional team: Green Bay Packers

Favorite professional athlete: Missy Franklin

Favorite person to follow on Twitter: Maggie Werba

A non-athletic talent I have is…: playing the piano