Madison, Wis. - Each week during the 2025-26 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 Ava Schiltz of Shakopee, Minn. (Prior Lake) earned her third straight All-WIAC First Team selection this year, becoming the first player in school history to accomplish the feat. She tied for the team lead in goals (51) and shots (107) this season while leading in assists (17) and points (68). Schiltz was named the 2026 WIAC Midfielder of the Year, scoring multiple goals in 14 of 18 games. She had at least one goal in all 18 contests. Schiltz is UWL's all-time leader in goals (223), assists (62), points (285) and shots (461).

Schiltz was also named the 2026 WIAC Judy Kruckman Scholar-Athlete. She is an exercise sport science pre-professional major and nutrition minor.  

Why did you choose UW-La Crosse?
   I chose UWL because of the beautiful campus, amazing physical therapy program, and the overall town. Being from Minnesota I wanted to be close to home, but also have the chance to experience something new. UWL has been a perfect fit for me these last four years.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
    I have been a member of SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) the last two years, as well as volunteering with EXPAND (Exercise Program for Adults with Neurological Disorders) the last three fall semesters, and LEAP (Lower Extremity Amputee Program) last spring semester.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
     I enjoy competing in the WIAC because it is a competitive conference, especially for the sport of lacrosse which is growing in the Midwest. Being a Division III student-athlete has allowed me to have a good balance between school, athletics, and social life. Have a balance between those has been a huge benefit for myself and my college experience.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver's?  Deluxe ButterBurger
Flavor of the Day from Culver's?  Caramel fudge cookie dough
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  Murphy Library (preferably by windows)
TV Show?  The Pitt
Holiday?  St. Paddies Day
Food?  Seafood
Animal?  Koala
Smartphone App?  Instagram
Musical Group or Artist?  Don Toliver
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  Minnesota Vikings
Vacation Spot?  Greece
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
    I would have to say scoring the game winning goal in overtime against Carthage my freshman year, and then doing it again my senior year. It was a very full circle moment.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
    Going to grab coffee downtown, driving up to the bluffs, and beach days once it's warm enough.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
    I look up to all the women in my family. They have all found careers they enjoy and have had success in them. Having the opportunity to live in places from New York City to Hawaii. Being the youngest in my family I get to have so many role models to learn from, which I am so grateful for.
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
   I always tell my younger teammates to work hard, but most importantly have fun. It is easy to be down on yourself as a student athlete since you hold yourself to high standards in each aspect of your life. You learn so much about yourself in college and get the opportunity to make lifelong friends. Enjoy these years and remember to celebrate the small successes as well.
 
One word that describes you?
   Personable or Driven
 
What is your dream job? 
   Physical Therapist
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
   Travel through Europe
   Learn to surf
   Get really good at cooking (like my mom and grandma)
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
    I have always been very good at sudoku.

What's your dream sporting event to attend?
    The Olympics.
 
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
   Yes, I have a few. I can't have any type of braid in my hair, always wear a colorful hair tie, must have either a Celsius or 7brew on game days, and I always tap my stick on the ground two times before every team cheer.