By Kat Krtnick
UWRF Sports Information

Whether she's performing graceful pirouettes in dance, showing her explosiveness and dexterity out on the volleyball court or engaging in the intensity and vigor of a basketball game, for Falcon freshman basketball player Justine Speckel, the "choreography" is all the same - optimism and hard work always yield success.

Speckel's incessant positive attitude and willingness to push herself to the next level have been evident throughout each and every endeavor that she has chosen to pursue. Preceding college, Speckel was an all-round athlete at Buffalo, Minn., High School where she participated in volleyball, basketball and softball. As well, she was a writer for the yearbook, a member of National Honor Society and a part of the "Student Stepping Up" program.

Her versatility was not limited to her high school feats; Speckel also used her athletic ability on the dance floor. She commenced on her athletic journey by enrolling in dance class at age three and continued to showcase her rhythm and poise on the stage throughout high school.   

Dance was not the only activity that interested Speckel at a young age; she started her basketball career in third grade on her local community education team and continued to play into middle school and high school. In 5 th -8 th grade she even had the wonderful opportunity to be coached by her Dad, and then concluded her high school career as team Most Valuable Player and an all-conference selection.

Speckel's senior season was not only full of accolades, but is also her most prized memory from all of her basketball experiences. Not only was she fortunate to have a chance to play with seven senior teammates and best friends during her final year at Buffalo High School, but she also rallied her team to a much-improved record.

Now as a first-year Falcon basketball player, Speckel hopes to "keep improving everyday and to continue learning the offenses," so that she will eventually be able to help her team compete from out on the floor.

Always a pillar of encouragement for her teammates and a persistent presence on the court, Speckel has faced a new challenge as new Falcon - adjusting from playing the post position to playing wing. Though it's been a difficult transition, she deems the change "as a blessing in disguise. It's helped me get better at dribbling and shooting," Speckel said.

Changing positions may be a test, but Falcon Coach Cindy Hovet has seen Speckel's growth throughout the season: "She is twice the player now then she was at the beginning of the season."

Adversity may be a common denominator among most college freshmen, but Speckel overcomes this obstacle by applying a demanding work ethic and enthusiasm to each facet of life. Whether academics, basketball, volleyball or dance, she prides herself on her "hustle" and her eagerness to "always get after it."

Hovet also sees this drive in Speckel. "One of Justine's biggest strengths is that she works hard everyday at practice and challenges the rest of the team to work."

She's an ideal fit for the Falcon program because of her unwavering team spirit and ability to adapt to change. The "team" has always come first for Speckel, and this year is no different. She has high expectations for her team during the remainder of this season. "I think we have the personnel and drive to win the conference; we just have to continue to go out and battle every night."

To mentally prepare herself for the competitiveness of the WIAC contests, Speckel motivates herself by listening to music and always saying a prayer that no one on the team will get hurt. As a first-year, she knows that she will need to focus on the game to ensure that she is fully prepared to go in if called upon.

Basketball may have been her job since Sept. 15, but Speckle is attending college at UW-RF to uncover her true career calling. She may be "really, really, really undecided on a major" but is enjoying the opportunity to take a wide array of classes. Many fields have interested her so far during her first semester, and Speckle can foresee herself pursuing many different occupations in the future.

Speckel is also considering getting involved in other activities on campus. After years of playing volleyball for her high school team and a Junior Olympic club, her retirement from volleyball may be short-lived: "I really miss playing and am thinking about trying out for the team next year."

Always upbeat and with a smile on her face, Speckel accredits her optimistic attitude to her Mom, who "is always positive." Her Mom has always been a great role model to emulate throughout her life.

Dance rehearsals may be a past venture for Speckel, but for someone with such a positive attitude and eagerness to work hard, it will definitely not be long for Speckel to get into the "rhythm" of Falcon basketball.

Justine Speckel