Aine Moffit
Graduation year: 2026
High school: Pleasant Valley High School
Hometown: LeClaire, Iowa
Major: Pre-medicine
Activities: Varsity women’s wrestling (All-American)
Post-grad plans: Joining the Navy and going to medical school
Why Augustana?
I chose Augustana because it was nearby and had great academics. They also had a women’s wrestling program, which at the time not a lot of colleges did. Not only did they have a women’s wrestling program, but the head coach Tony Willaert showed a passion and interest in my abilities as a wrestler instead of just wanting someone to be a placeholder on the team.
On the academics side, they have an awesome biology department along with a human anatomy lab, which not a lot of schools have.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
I initially thought most of my time on campus was going to be spent just getting my studies done and showing up to practice. That’s sort of where it began. However as time progressed, I realized that I had a greater potential in not only the classroom but also the wrestling room.
I didn’t have the strongest start in wrestling, but I ended with many firsts that I didn’t think I would achieve. On top of that, I kept my grades high, continuously getting named Scholar All-American.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
Many professors in the biology department, including Dr. Yoo, Dr. Murphy and Professor Kennedy. They helped me with scheduling for classes or just being a friendly face to talk to when things were difficult.
The wrestling coaches, especially Tony Willaert, for always pushing me to meet my goals and believing I always had a chance even if the odds didn’t match.
Peak experience?
Winning 7th at the first NCAA women’s wrestling tournament and becoming the program's first All-American.
What surprised you?
The amount of meaningful friendships I’ve made on campus. Through wrestling I have had friends that cheered me on and had my back through many things and have even been there for some exciting news. I’ve also made friends through classes that I would have never had expected to talk to.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I’m using it on a semester study abroad to Japan
What will you miss the most?
I will miss wrestling with the team and competing, as well as having all my friends close by.
Advice for the Class of 2030?
Even though I was a part of a sport on campus, I knew that letting my grades slip was something I didn’t want to happen. So if you are going to be a part of something on campus or be a part of extracurriculars, make sure your grades stay high. Take pride in your academics and get help when needed.
"Aine represents everything we want this program to be about. She committed to the process, led by example and trusted her work. Seeing that pay off with our first conference title and All-American finish in program history made her success even more meaningful."