A member of Ripon women's basketball, Abby Hartmann is a senior from Wonder Lake, Illinois. She is majoring in Exercise Science - Athletic Training & Exercise Science - Human Performance.
 
Q: Who on your team has been an impactful teammate to you, whether on or off the court and why?
A: That's nearly an impossible question to answer with all of the teammates I've been blessed to play with throughout my career at Ripon. Each of them, whether they know it or not, has impacted me in some way or another. I'm confident in saying that I can count on any of them to have my back on the court or show up for me off the court, and that means everything to our team.
 
Q: Why did you choose to attend Ripon, and why have you stayed at Ripon for so long?
A: Initially, I chose Ripon because of the way the environment made me feel. I quickly found my people and my place, and from there I never looked back. I've found myself returning each year because of the people who so graciously surround me with the biggest support system; from student-athletes to professors to coaches, you never feel alone when you're at Ripon.
 
Q: What is one thing that you've learned at Ripon that you'll take with you into the professional world?
A: Interdependence. You think that college is going to teach you about being independent, which it certainly does. However, being at Ripon has taught me that you can't always charge headfirst into battle by yourself, and you don't have to when you look around and see all of the people who are in your corner. Ripon has allowed me to find growth in being interdependent: reaching out your hand to others when they need to be pulled up, but also being willing to take someone's hand when you need it too.
 
Q: What are your plans once you graduate from Ripon?
A: After Ripon, I plan to attend graduate school to obtain my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I am excited to continuously learn and grow in hopes of making an impact in any way I can.
 
Q: Where is your favorite spot on campus?
A: The Willmore Center is easily my favorite spot on campus. Whether it be basketball practice, a workout, a class, or working at the front desk, I spend more time at Willmore than anywhere else! Interacting with other student-athletes and community members that cycle through each day is one of my favorite things.
 
Q: What have you enjoyed most about playing for your head coach?
A: Coach Lauren has fostered a culture that feels like family. I can be excited to show up for practice each day, but what is most enjoyable is showing up knowing that I get to be with my teammates. I'm so grateful to be a part of the team.
 
Q: Outside of athletics, have you been involved in anything else while being a student at Ripon?
A: While my time at Ripon has predominantly been centered around athletics, it has also led me to various opportunities for community service that I have been grateful to take advantage of. Ripon is a special place because of our community and I think students do a great job of giving back!
 
Q: What is a piece of advice you would tell younger athletes?
A: No matter the circumstance, squeeze every ounce of value out of it. There is so much to appreciate from the hardships to the celebrations. It goes by in the blink of an eye, so be sure to be present with the people around you and always remember to enjoy the journey!
 
Q: What has been your favorite memory as a Red Hawk?
A: My favorite memory as a Red Hawk was when we beat Knox in the last regular season game to win a share of the Midwest Conference title and then won the coin flip to host the Midwest Conference Tournament. The love and support our team received that day was so amazing and something we'll never forget.
 
Q: What will you miss most about Ripon after you graduate?
A: Without question, I will miss my people. But, I know they will always be there wherever we all end up in life, and for that, I am so grateful for those relationships.
 
Q: If you could visit one place throughout history, where would it be and why?
A: My one visit would be to Vatican City in Rome during the 1900's. I want to see the Vatican and meet the Pope one day in the future, so why not do it in the past too!
 
Abby enjoys water-skiing, working out, playing basketball and spending time with her family and friends. Throughout her career at Ripon, she has appeared in 66 out of a possible 68 games, helping the Red Hawks to Midwest Conference titles each of the past two seasons. She has scored 153 career points and has collected 112 rebounds in 675 career minutes.