Photo by: Jack McLaughlin
Meet the Badgers: Kendra Van Leeuwen
February 06, 2018 | Women's Basketball
Guard hasn't missed a game in UW career
MADISON, Wis. -- Sophomore Kendra Van Leeuwen has yet to miss a game in the Cardinal and White. That's impressive for the guard from Brantford, Ontario, who was the first Badger signee for head coach Jonathan Tsipis.
The 5-foot, 10-inch guard has played in 56 games as a Badger, starting 55. She was UW's assist leader as a freshman, handing off 102 dimes. Van Leeuwen is also one Wisconsin's top defender, often having to guard the best guard on opposing teams.
What's one of your favorite moments or memories so far from this season?
"Looking back on the season thus far, I think that one of my favorite basketball memories has been the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, where we played Pittsburgh on the road. It was a very exciting game where we showed a lot of fight as the victory was decided in the final minutes of the game."
Is there any significance behind the No. 10?
"Over the years, I have had a variety of numbers while playing for different teams, but No. 10 was the number I choose to play with here at Wisconsin for it was the number I wore in high school. This number also holds special significance for me because it was the number I watched as I grew up, for my sister wore No. 10 throughout her career as an NCAA Division I basketball player at Niagara University."
How have you seen your role on the team change from this year to last year?
"Last year as a freshman, it was a tremendous learning experience adjusting to the highly competitive and fast pace level of basketball within the Big Ten Conference. As a sophomore, I recognize my role on the team and work hard to help support the team in any way possible to help us grow. Taking what I have learned, I try and lead by example, and push myself and my team mates to continue to work hard in order to continually improve as the season progresses."
How do you think you have developed as a player in your second year at Wisconsin?
"As a sophomore, I feel that I have developed an understanding of the importance of hard work and organization, as well as appreciating the opportunity that I have been given to play the game that I love and further my education. I am constantly learning new things, whether this learning is on the court or in the classroom, it is important to embrace opportunities and challenges. Learning to embrace challenges is often difficult, but in the end it is worth the hard work and effort."
What goals do you have for yourself while you are here at UW?
"As a student-athlete, I have a variety of goals that I set for myself both academically and athletically. On and off the court, I aim to continue to learn new information and use this knowledge to be a great teammate and person. As a student, I strive to do the best I can in my academic courses, utilizing the tools and support that is offered to me in order to prepare for tests/exams and remain organized. On the court, I aim to work hard, and continue to push myself and my teammates to be better than they were the day before in order to help my team be successful."
How did it feel winning the bronze? How did playing with Team Canada help your development?
"Playing for Team Canada was an incredible experience. Our team was able to achieve a remarkable bronze medal at the World Championships. This experience made me realize the importance of working hard and continually striving for your goals. Competing internationally is a unique experience, as you are exposed to a variety styles of play, continually challenging your abilities on the court.
"Looking back, winning a bronze medal at the World Championships this past summer will be a memory that I will never forget. Being a part of a team that was able to make history is a rare and incredible experience. Standing on the podium with a medal around your neck, overlooking competitors and fans, while being able to represent your country is very difficult to put into words. I continually feel an abundance of joy and happiness in remembering that moment, but overall, I would say it was an honor to have been a part of that experience."
What do you miss most about Canada?
"Being at Wisconsin has been a wonderful experience for me, but what I miss most about not being in Canada is not being close to my family and dogs. My family is very supportive and try to visit Madison as much as possible, as well as attending away games when they can, but family is definitely what I miss the most."
What's a Canadian phrase you say a lot that your teammates make fun of you for? Or any other different tendencies?
"I cannot think of any Canadian phrases that I say, but I do frequently say "Eh" when talking, and my teammates often acknowledge this either by giving me a funny look, or by repeating it to me (Even though it doesn't sound the same when they say it!). Also, I have also been caught saying offense differently, for I pronounce it 'oh-fence', instead of 'ah-fence.'"
What's your major and what do you want to do with it?
"I am currently in the business school majoring in finance, investment and banking. I currently do not have a concrete goal of what I am going to do in the future with this degree, but am taking a variety of courses within the business school that will hopefully help me identifying my interests within this field."
The 5-foot, 10-inch guard has played in 56 games as a Badger, starting 55. She was UW's assist leader as a freshman, handing off 102 dimes. Van Leeuwen is also one Wisconsin's top defender, often having to guard the best guard on opposing teams.
What's one of your favorite moments or memories so far from this season?
"Looking back on the season thus far, I think that one of my favorite basketball memories has been the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, where we played Pittsburgh on the road. It was a very exciting game where we showed a lot of fight as the victory was decided in the final minutes of the game."
Is there any significance behind the No. 10?
"Over the years, I have had a variety of numbers while playing for different teams, but No. 10 was the number I choose to play with here at Wisconsin for it was the number I wore in high school. This number also holds special significance for me because it was the number I watched as I grew up, for my sister wore No. 10 throughout her career as an NCAA Division I basketball player at Niagara University."
How have you seen your role on the team change from this year to last year?
"Last year as a freshman, it was a tremendous learning experience adjusting to the highly competitive and fast pace level of basketball within the Big Ten Conference. As a sophomore, I recognize my role on the team and work hard to help support the team in any way possible to help us grow. Taking what I have learned, I try and lead by example, and push myself and my team mates to continue to work hard in order to continually improve as the season progresses."
How do you think you have developed as a player in your second year at Wisconsin?
"As a sophomore, I feel that I have developed an understanding of the importance of hard work and organization, as well as appreciating the opportunity that I have been given to play the game that I love and further my education. I am constantly learning new things, whether this learning is on the court or in the classroom, it is important to embrace opportunities and challenges. Learning to embrace challenges is often difficult, but in the end it is worth the hard work and effort."
What goals do you have for yourself while you are here at UW?
"As a student-athlete, I have a variety of goals that I set for myself both academically and athletically. On and off the court, I aim to continue to learn new information and use this knowledge to be a great teammate and person. As a student, I strive to do the best I can in my academic courses, utilizing the tools and support that is offered to me in order to prepare for tests/exams and remain organized. On the court, I aim to work hard, and continue to push myself and my teammates to be better than they were the day before in order to help my team be successful."
How did it feel winning the bronze? How did playing with Team Canada help your development?
"Playing for Team Canada was an incredible experience. Our team was able to achieve a remarkable bronze medal at the World Championships. This experience made me realize the importance of working hard and continually striving for your goals. Competing internationally is a unique experience, as you are exposed to a variety styles of play, continually challenging your abilities on the court.
"Looking back, winning a bronze medal at the World Championships this past summer will be a memory that I will never forget. Being a part of a team that was able to make history is a rare and incredible experience. Standing on the podium with a medal around your neck, overlooking competitors and fans, while being able to represent your country is very difficult to put into words. I continually feel an abundance of joy and happiness in remembering that moment, but overall, I would say it was an honor to have been a part of that experience."
What do you miss most about Canada?
"Being at Wisconsin has been a wonderful experience for me, but what I miss most about not being in Canada is not being close to my family and dogs. My family is very supportive and try to visit Madison as much as possible, as well as attending away games when they can, but family is definitely what I miss the most."
What's a Canadian phrase you say a lot that your teammates make fun of you for? Or any other different tendencies?
"I cannot think of any Canadian phrases that I say, but I do frequently say "Eh" when talking, and my teammates often acknowledge this either by giving me a funny look, or by repeating it to me (Even though it doesn't sound the same when they say it!). Also, I have also been caught saying offense differently, for I pronounce it 'oh-fence', instead of 'ah-fence.'"
What's your major and what do you want to do with it?
"I am currently in the business school majoring in finance, investment and banking. I currently do not have a concrete goal of what I am going to do in the future with this degree, but am taking a variety of courses within the business school that will hopefully help me identifying my interests within this field."
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