Katie Wagner (2007, 2008)
Sport: Track & Field (2003-06)
Degree: Bachelor's - Exercise Sport Science-Teaching (Physical Education/Adapted Physical Education and Coaching concentration)
Master's - Exercise Sport Science-Physical Education Teacher Education (Emphasis in Adventure Education)
UWL Athletic Accomplishments: 2006 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) heptathlon champion and finished 13th at NCAA III Championships. Three (2004-06) third-place finishes at WIAC Championships in pentathlon; also finished fourth (2003). Three (2003-05) third-place finishes at WIAC Championships in heptathlon.
Current Profession: UW-La Crosse Women's Track and Field Head Assistant Coach; Exercise Sport Science Lecturer
Why did you come to UW-La Crosse?
UWL had everything I was looking for: a great exercise sport science program, competitive track and field program, and a beautiful campus. It felt like home when I visited!
Who influenced you the most during your time at UWL?
UWL Head Women’s Track and Field Coach Pat Healy! Being a student-athlete completely enhanced my college experience. I loved working hard and contributing to my team in any way that I could. Coach Healy not only helped me realize my potential as a student-athlete but also empowered me as a leader. Later in my experiences, he was the person who encouraged me to pursue coaching as a career. H e continues to be an incredible friend and mentor to this day.
How did your undergraduate experience at UWL impact what you are doing in your career now?
I was planning on applying for K-12 teaching jobs upon graduation when the director of the PETE graduate program recruited me to stay and work towards my graduate degree. I had the opportunity teach middle school PE for my graduate assistantship and volunteer coach at UWL while completing my coursework. It was during this time that I considered college coaching and teaching as a career path. M y first job after graduate school was assistant coaching and teaching at a university in upstate New York!
What are you most proud of about your undergrad years now that you have graduated?
I learned that I’m much more capable than I thought I was, both in my academic pursuits and in my sport of track and field. I continue to be passionate about education and sport, health and wellness, and helping people reach their goals. I didn’t realize how much of a role model I could be for others and it is something that I don’t take lightly in my current position teaching and coaching. I had a few incredible mentors throughout college and early in my career and I feel fortunate to be in a position now that I can be that mentor and role model for someone else.
What is one important thing you learned while you were at UWL?
Surround yourself with great people; people who inspire, encourage, challenge, and push you to be the best version of yourself. Some of these people will be your best friends, coaches, professors, teammates, etc. It took a little while for me to feel like I was “fitting in” within a group, but once I found the right people, they became my forever UWL family.
What advice would you give current UWL student-athletes?
Pursue your academic and athletic goals with passion, commitment, and desire. Your teammates will become your best friends and family. You will achieve levels of success you didn’t know existed. You will learn so much about yourself through all the personal hardships and achievements if you stick with it and continue pursuing your own personal excellence. Fully committing yourself as a student-athlete won’t be easy, but it will certainly enhance your college experience and change your life forever!
Any fun facts or stories you would like to add?
I coached a multi-time national champion and multiple All-Americas in the triple jump and it’s a field event I never trained for or competed in during my own athletic career. Moral of the story? Don’t limit yourself in what you think you can do. Throw yourself in head first, learn as much as you can, make mistakes, and keep learning. And give credit where credit is due. I've had the privilege of coaching so many AMAZING athletes over the years. More importantly, they are incredible people. I’m so grateful for all of them!
