Delaney Schoenenberger (2020)
Sport: Basketball (2017-20)
Why did you choose UWL?
My sophomore year of high school I made it to state for track which is held at UWL. I fell in LOVE with the campus and the area. My hometown is very flat with not much to do outdoors and I loved the fact that there was so much to do outside in the summer in La Crosse! La Crosse is a great school for sciences and I ultimately knew that was what I wanted to do! Plus, my dad loves to come to all my games so I wanted to be close enough where he could do that. Fun fact, UWL is the only college I applied to.. so it's a good thing I got in!
Who influenced you the most during your time at UWL?
I would say Coach Karen (Middleton)! She was not only knowledgeable about basketball, but also had great life advice and was always there as someone to talk to. I knew I could trust her with anything. She was always happy to see you everyday and sometimes after a stressful school day that was all I needed to get going for practice.
How did your undergraduate experience at UWL impact what you are doing in your career now?
I am in graduate school right now and every trimester is about 20-22 credits. So my first trimester I had nine classes. Everyone comes from different schools and I realized when I got her how good UWL prepared me to continue in a higher education. The classes at UWL were challenging and at times felt overwhelming, but when I came here I was so thankful I had gone through that because it helped me do really well.
What is your most fond memory while being at UWL as a student?
I would say all the friends I made while being there. The close group of friends I had, between our basketball team and the football team, really made my time there special. For the rest of my life, anytime I miss UWL I always think of all the special people I had met during my time there. Being able to play the sport I loved for four more years and the friendships I made on the team will stay with me forever.
What are you most proud of about your undergrad years now that you have graduated?
I am most proud of how the women's basketball program had changed from my freshman to senior year. My freshman year we were ranked last in the conference and my senior year we made it to the NCAA and it was something I always dreamed of doing. Plus, I am most proud to be Coach Karen's first player who played all four years to graduate. I am so proud to have been apart of such a great team for four years.
What advice would you give current UWL student-athletes?
Don't take any moment for granted. Whether its conditioning, lifting, practice, or games. After you graduate, you never get the competitive thrill like you have right now. I miss competing every day, there is truly nothing like it. One day your time will be up and you'll sit there and think about all the things you didn't do.. so live in the moment and appreciate every little thing.
