UW-Oshkosh national champion gymnast to graduate as Army 2nd Lieutenant

Lydia Hayden, a graduating University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh senior who excelled at collegiate gymnastics and as a cadet in the Army ROTC, will embark on her military career as a field artillery officer.

A graduating ROTC cadet at UW-Oshkosh says the Army program prepares students in many ways-through leadership and development, discipline, communication and professionalism.

The skills were something Lydia Hayden of Broomfield, Colorado, used as a member of the elite Titans gymnastics team that earned national championships in three out of her four years on the team.

Though Commencement is now staring at the senior criminal justice major who is planning a career with the U.S. Army, she said she'll always remember her years as a Titans gymnast.

"There have been so many highlights over the past four years that it's hard to choose just a few," Hayden said. "This past season, in particular, will always stand out. We accomplished goals we had been working toward since my freshman year-all in one season. We beat two Division I teams, broke a 195 team score and won Nationals. Being part of UW-Oshkosh gymnastics is something I truly value and I'm proud to say I the opportunity to be on the team and accomplish everything we did."

In her home state, Hayden followed her sisters in gymnastics (she started at the age of 2!) and she trained at Colorado Gymnastics Institute (CGI). In high school, she posted videos on her recruiting account. UWO head coach Lauren Karnitz saw them through one of her former athletes who also had attended CGI. Hayden soon connected with Karnitz and came to Oshkosh for a visit.

"I quickly realized UW-Oshkosh was where I wanted to be," Hayden said. "I was originally looking into the (Army) Reserves, but after talking with (Karnitz), she introduced me to ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) and explained how well it would fit with my athletic and academic goals."

The Fox Valley Army ROTC Battalion at UWO has an outstanding military science program that enables outstanding college students to become part-time or full-time commissioned officers in the U.S. Army.

Lydia is an amazing young lady," said Mallory Schmitt, assistant professor of military science and Army logistics captain. "She has served as our Battalion Commander for the Fox Valley ROTC this last year and was picked for the job because of her consistent display of excellent leadership. She is dependable, caring and efficient with the work that needs to get done as well as with how she mentors the underclassmen as they navigate being new to ROTC."

LTC Jonathan Doiron said Hayden expertly balanced ROTC and academics-all while competing four years on UWO's gymnastics team. She earned a spot on the Women's Collegiate Gymnastics Association Scholastic All-American team and the team won its third national championship during the four years she competed as a Titan.

A day before Commencement, Hayden will be Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in a formal ceremony in front of family and friends.

Becoming an Army officer

Following graduation, Hayden has a few months before starting an 18-week Field Artillery Basic Officer Leader Couse (BOLC). Then, she'll head to her first duty assignment as an active-duty field artillery officer with the 11^th Airborne Division at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. While she's not currently planning to use her criminal justice degree, she believes she may return to that field later in her career.

She said being a senior "feels surreal" and the four years have gone by incredibly fast. Coming to UWO as a freshman, she never imagined how many opportunities and accomplishments would come from it.

Hayden gave a shout-out to her former cadre, Sergeant Major Dustin Ketterl, who she met her freshman year and who took the time to speak on the phone with her and her parents-answering every question about ROTC.

"He played a big role in helping me choose ROTC and stick with it throughout college," she said. "He truly cared about cadets and pushed us to be our best, both as future officers and as people."

Favorite part of ROTC: The opportunities and experiences throughout the program and relationships built along the way. "I had the opportunity to go to Germany for a month this past summer and shadow a Second Lieutenant, which was an incredible experience."

Least favorite part of ROTC: Early morning PT (physical training at 5 a.m.) "…but it's helped me develop a strong routine and taught me how starting the day with exercise can improve my mindset and set the tone for the rest of the day."

Is she the strongest/most agile UWO cadet? "I wouldn't say I'm the strongest or most agile, but gymnastics definitely gave me a strong foundation in fitness, body control and mental toughness."

Hayden said students should join ROTC if they want to pursue something greater than themselves within the United States Army.

"It gives you hands-on experience," she said, "while growing skills in leadership, communication and decision-making to set you up for future careers both within the military and civilian workforce."

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UWO Army ROTC