Kasey (Clausen) Crawford (2008, 2012)
Sport: Gymnastics (2004-08)
Degrees: Bachelor's - Education; Master's - Human Performance
National Athletic Honors: Five-time National Collegiate Gymnastics Association (NCGA) All-America (Two-time in uneven parallel bars, once in all-around, vault and balance beam).
Current Profession: UW-La Crosse Head Gymnastics Coach
Why did you come to UW-La Crosse?
I loved everything about UWL - great academics, great location with the beautiful bluffs and town, and of course GREAT gymnastics!
Who influenced you the most during your time at UWL?
Most definitely Barbara Gibson - she was an amazing coach who was both caring/compassionate and high-achieving. She pushed me more than I ever knew I needed, while being incredibly positive and warm. We became very close colleagues as head coach/assistant coach and I learned everything from her about how to be a great coach.
What is your most fond memory while being at UWL as a student?
As an athlete - winning the National Championship at home my freshman year! In addition - my senior year dominating balance beam at the national championship - we were all crying we were so happy!
How did your undergraduate experience at UWL impact what you are doing in your career now?
As an education major, I always wanted to teach and coach. And look what I'm doing now I feel very grateful for my education background, because I don't just coach gymnastics - I teach so many life skills as well, and many of the tools I use today I learned from being a teacher.
What are you most proud of about your undergrad years now that you have graduated?
I am so proud I completed four years of collegiate gymnastics. I have many rings, All-America awards, etc, but what I am proud of most is finishing what I started and completing my gymnastics career.
What is one important thing you learned while you were at UWL?
That you make time for the things that are most important to you. We many times say we do not have enough time for things... but we will make time, if we really value it and want it.
What advice would you give current UWL student-athletes?
Realize that everything you think (what you tell yourself on a daily basis) leads to the actions and results in your life. Do not always be positive and "suck it up" during tough times - give yourself compassion and seek help from others when the results in your life aren't what you want them to be.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
Creating (and sustaining) our team culture. It is vital to me that the gymnasts who come through this program love their experience. I feel good that the gymnasts here love their experience on the team. That beats out any "accomplishment" in my mind. Though winning the conference championship in 2018 by just a tenth or two, and placing third at the 2020 WIAC Championship were both amazing team performances, and I am very proud of those!
