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BY ANDY BAGGOT
UWBadgers.com Insider
MADISON, Wis. — Kendra Van Leeuwen had a memorable first season with the Wisconsin women's basketball team in which she started all 31 games. That gave way to an unforgettable summer in which she did her homeland proud as a world medalist. A 5-foot-10 guard from Brantford, Ontario, Van Leeuwen is looking to be a more consistent force for the Badgers. She sat down before a recent practice to talk about the hardest lesson she learned as a freshman, the personal goal she has for this season, and her happiest day since coming to UW.
You helped Team Canada win a bronze medal in the World Under-19 Championships this summer. Why is that such a big deal to you?
"Just being a part of the national team, plus we made history. We were the first Canadian women's national team to medal at a world championship. It was great being a part of that and contributing, and being able to step on that podium."
Is there a lesson you learned the hard way as a freshman at UW?
"I think time management is really important, especially as a student-athlete, realizing that sometimes you put homework above maybe watching a Netflix show. You really have to prioritize. I don't know if I learned that the hard way, but it's definitely something I learned and continue to grow upon."
Is there a personal goal you have for this season?
"Constantly look forward. To not stay focused on the past. Focus on the past to learn from it, but don't stay in it."
Have you gotten over the hump of being a student-athlete at UW?
"It's definitely gotten better, especially as a sophomore. You just feel more comfortable around the Kohl Center and doing things in your schedule. So, yeah, I think so."
You've said your dream job would be to have a bakery. What's your specialty?
"Cookies and cakes. I'm a sweets person. I like to bake in my spare time when I have the ingredients. It's fun."
Who's the coolest person on your contact list?
"It would be my siblings (older sister Kelly; older brother Tyler). I can't say which one because the other one would be mad at me."
Your major and why?
"I'm a finance major. I really liked math growing up and that's what interests me now."
Is there something you care about now that you didn't care about when you first arrived in Madison?
"Probably meal prep. A lot of my world revolves around a limit of food, so knowing what's in your fridge and being able to prepare for it because you always want to open to a full fridge. If nothing's in there, it's kind of a letdown."
What was your happiest day at Wisconsin?
"My first day getting here, being on my own for the first time and realizing that I made the right choice being here as a student-athlete."
Is there something you know you're the best at on your team?
"High fives."
