_{Walbright has learned the joy of living through her kids’ eyes. Courtesy | Nikki Walbright}

In this quick hits interview, Assistant Athletic Director Nikki Walbright talks ‘One Tree Hill,’ Bonnie Tyler, and not sweating the small stuff. 

What’s your favorite class to teach at Hillsdale?

Women’s Health and Nutrition is pretty near and dear to my heart. It’s cool to work with girls from all over campus. 

What’s your pre-match pump up song?

“Holding Out for a Hero” by Bonnie Tyler.

Who’s your favorite pro tennis player?

Madison Keys.

Who is your favorite TV show character?

The Scott Brothers from “One Tree Hill.”

What’s your kids’ favorite restaurant in town?

Handmade.

If you could coach any sport, what would it be?

Baseball because of my love for the Atlanta Braves, as well as the strategy of the game.

What are your thoughts on the new Hillsdale logo?

It’s the face of the future.

What is one life lesson having kids has taught you?

The need to have patience and show grace, and living life through a kid’s eyes is really cool. 

Grass, clay, or hardcourt?

Hardcourt because I’m a power hitter.

What is your least popular sports opinion?

I’m excited to see the new College Football Playoff expansion.

What’s the most important piece of advice you would give current Hillsdale athletes about college athletics?

Don’t stress over the small stuff now. You’ll always look back and wish you could spend more time studying, but you won’t ever get the time to compete at this level again.

What is the coolest part of your job?

I’m pretty competitive, so being able to involve myself in Hillsdale’s competitive atmosphere is really nice since you can’t do that in many other jobs.

What’s your favorite memory from coaching the women’s tennis team here?

Winning back to back to back conference championships was really cool. 

If you could create one class to teach here what would it be?

College Sport Recruiting 101 would be fun, or I also teach our spin classes, so an Advanced Indoor Cycling would be super fun to do.

Did you want to be a pro tennis player growing up?

Ironically, soccer was my main thing growing up, but I always appreciated tennis and enjoyed traveling to tournaments with my mom.