Madison, Wis. - Each week during the 2026-27 academic year, the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) will feature two student-athletes (one male and one female) from one of its eight institutions for a "Student-Athlete Spotlight" Q&A segment. The segments will be posted every Thursday and individuals are selected by the institution.  The WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlights are presented by Culver's.    

Senior Sera Speltz of Winona, Minn. (Cotter) earned 2025 All-WIAC First Team honors after finishing second for UWL in goals (14) and tied for second in points (34), game-winning goals (3) and shots (53). She was named to the 2025 United Soccer Coaches All-Region IX First Team. 

She is an exercise and sport science major and nutrition minor. Speltz was a 2025 United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-America Third Team selection and United Soccer Coaches All-North/Central Region Scholar First Team choice. A two-year member of the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll, Speltz was named to the 2025 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District® Team. 

Why did you choose UW-La Crosse?
   I chose UW-La Crosse because of the great education, beautiful city, lively community, and a close-knit soccer team that loves to have fun while competing at a high level.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
   Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the Pre-PT Club.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
   Across all sports, the WIAC is a very competitive conference with many talented athletes. Being a Division III student-athlete is special because it allows me to compete at a high level while still prioritizing my education, future career, and overall college experience.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver's?  Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Flavor of the Day from Culver's?  Andes Mint Avalanche
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  Centennial 3214
TV Show?  Young Sheldon
Holiday?  Halloween
Food?  Potatoes
Animal?  Dogs
Smartphone App?  Instagram
Musical Group or Artist?  Two Door Cinema Club
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  Rose Lavelle
Vacation Spot?  Italy
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
    Scoring two goals in the NCAA Elite 8 game in 2023.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
    I enjoy hiking, pickleball, or any other outdoor activity with my teammates.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
     I look up to my Grandma Sue because she is one of the most resilient people I know and supports me in everything I do.
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
    Say yes to as many opportunities as you can, try new things, and spend as much time with your teammates outside of your sport as possible. The time flies, so make the most of the experiences, friendships, and memories you create along the way.
 
If your team had a theme song, what would it be?
   Hot Wings (I Wanna Party)
 
What is your dream job? 
   My dream job would be to become a sports physical therapist.  
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
    Hike the Dolomites.
    Visit every National Park.
    Make it to the Final Four.
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
    I am a great cake decorator.

What's your dream sporting event to attend?
    A World Cup Final.
 
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
   Fun game day hair and I always need five or six Nerd Gummies Clusters during warm-ups.