MADISON, Wis. -- After playing basketball in high school, redshirt senior Taylor Kuhn took a break from the sport before joining the Badgers during an open tryout last season. The redshirt senior has played in nine games in the Cardinal and White, including five contests this season.

After winning two of their last three games, including their first road win of the season, the Badgers return to the Kohl Center for three games in six days. Wisconsin first hosts Idaho State on Tuesday at 7 p.m. before welcome Mississippi Valley State on Thursday at 7 p.m. UW wraps up the homestand with I-94 rival Marquette on Sunday at 1 p.m. All three games will be streamed live on BTN Plus

You joined the team after a tryout last season. What's it like being part of the team after not playing since high school?
"It's so fun and exciting for me! I absolutely love being part of the team. It's an experience I never dreamed would happen and I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity."
 
What's been the biggest change with the new coaching staff?
"I think the biggest change with the coaching staff is the energy. Practice has a great deal more energy and enthusiasm this year."

You're known as being the most studious player on the team. How do you make time for being such a good student?
"For me, time management and being efficient with my time is key. I want to do well in school and basketball as well as have time to hang out with friends and do fun things so I have to use my time well.
"I start my day early and put away distractions in order to work efficiently. During the week I spend almost all of my free time outside of class and basketball studying. This means waking up early, even on weekends and studying on the bus/plane while traveling and in between shoot around and games. This allows me to have more time on the weekend to do fun activities and spend time with friends."

Your father played football and your mother competed in swimming. How did you get started in basketball?
"I got started played basketball because my dad started coaching it. I would go to practice with him, watch, and dribble and shoot on the side basket."

Your goal is to become a physician's assistant. Why did you choose that profession?
"I have always been fascinated by the human body and medicine. I also have a passion for serving and caring for others. I love learning and problem solving but I also have a lot of other interests such as playing piano, working out, traveling, missions, family, hiking and other outdoor activities. Becoming a physician's assistant allows the perfect work-life balance for me. As a PA, I will be able to work in a field I am extremely interested in and enjoy the activities I love. Another draw to becoming a PA is the ability to switch specialties without going back to school. I have many interests within the medical field and see myself changing specialties over the years."