Paulette Hidani was UW-Stout's first gymnast to ever qualify for the national championships. "Pauly," as she was known during her collegiate years, contributed consistent quality whenever she performed as a Blue Devil. As a freshman in 1977, she led UW-Stout to a 9-3 record, attaining 22 individual event wins and seven all-around titles, including a tie for the WWIAC all-around championship. She was named Most Valuable Athlete and Most Inspirational Athlete for her accomplishments that year. Hidani qualified for the national championships in 1979 while helping the Blue Devils to a 13-5 record. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in dietetics.