As a Potosi High School alumna, Amber Udelhoven’s story shows how hard work, dedication to sports, and a positive attitude can lead to new opportunities, even when plans change.
In high school, Amber Udelhoven stayed very active in sports. She attended Fennimore for her first two years, where she played volleyball, basketball, and track. She transferred to Potosi before her junior year and played volleyball, basketball, and softball.
After graduating from Potosi High School, Amber went to Madison Area Technical College and played basketball for one year while completing her general education classes. “I played basketball at MATC for a year to get my gen eds done,” she said.
Her college basketball career ended when COVID began. “When COVID hit, I didn’t want to wear a mask while playing because of my asthma,” she explained. Because of this, she decided to step away from basketball and take a year off from school.
After that break, Amber found a new path. She attended Southwest Tech and studied early childhood education. “I earned my associate’s degree in early childhood education,” she said. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family.
Basketball is still an important part of her life, even though she no longer plays. “I only played at MATC for one year, but I started coaching this year,” she said. She helps coach the Dairy League 7th and 8th-grade basketball team and the middle school girls’ basketball team at Potosi Schools. She also helps the high school during practices, and sometimes helps coach in games. “I like helping the team get stronger and better,” she said.
Currently, Amber works as a receptionist at Grant Regional Health Clinic. She previously worked at Head Start in Dodgeville, but was let go due to the government shutdown. Even with challenges, she stays positive and focused. “I’m a hard worker, and I always want to help out with sports,” she said. “I like helping kids improve.”
She also has advice for current students: “Don’t wish the school year to go by too fast,” she said. “Enjoy it while you can. Adulting can be hard, so enjoy life when you can.”
Even though her plans have changed over time, Amber continues to stay involved in sports and help others, showing that hard work and passion can lead to new opportunities.