The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) has launched a weekly Student-Athlete Spotlight that pairs a male and a female athlete from each member school. Every Thursday, the featured athletes answer a rapid-fire Q&A, with the series sponsored by Culver’s. This season’s sophomore highlight introduces senior women’s volleyball player Lauren Shaw from UW-Stevens Point.
Born in Gurnee, Illinois, and a product of Warren Township High School, Shaw arrived on the Stevens Point campus as a freshman drawn by a distinct sense of community. She describes the university as a “home away from home,” emphasizing the instant camaraderie she felt with teammates, coaches, and professors. Over four years, she has woven that early welcome into a lasting personal and athletic identity.
Choosing UW-Stevens Point
Shaw cites the family atmosphere as the decisive factor behind her enrollment. From her first steps on the quad, she sensed an environment that valued both academic growth and athletic development. The relationships she forged—on the court, in the classroom, and during late-night study sessions—have solidified her loyalty to the university. She now views the campus as a place where she can thrive as a student and as a competitor.
Campus involvement and academic focus
Beyond the volleyball net, Shaw pursues a dual major in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She is actively engaged with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Wisconsin State Reading Association (WSRA), organizations that complement her career ambition of becoming a kindergarten or first-grade teacher. Her enrollment in the School of Education underscores a commitment to learning theory while gaining practical experience through these professional groups.
Extracurriculars that shape a future educator
Through NAEYC, Shaw participates in workshops on child development, while WSRA provides her with resources on literacy instruction. These affiliations not only enrich her academic résumé but also foster a network of mentors who will guide her once she steps into a classroom of her own.
Competing in the WIAC and the spirit of Division III
Shaw praises the WIAC for its relentless competitiveness. Every match, she says, feels like “a battle you must be ready for.” The conference’s reputation for high-stakes play pushes athletes to elevate their performance, regardless of scholarship status. As a Division III program, UW-Stevens Point offers no athletic scholarships, which, according to Shaw, cultivates a purer love for the sport. “We show up because we love what we do,” she explains, highlighting the intrinsic motivation that defines Division III athletes.
She also notes that Division III is often misunderstood as a lower tier, yet the talent, dedication, and work ethic rival those of higher divisions. This perspective fuels her pride in representing a conference that values both academic rigor and athletic excellence.
Favorites, rituals, and life off the court
When it comes to culinary cravings, nothing beats Culver’s cheese curds, and her go-to flavor of the day is “Mint Explosion.” Off the court, Shaw’s favorite campus spot is the newly renovated library—a quiet haven for study and reflection. She relaxes with the TV classic Friends, enjoys sushi for a change of pace, and crowns dogs as her preferred animal companions.
Her downtime with teammates revolves around simple togetherness: shared meals, spontaneous hangouts, and endless laughter. “There’s never a dull moment,” she admits, emphasizing how those informal moments cement team chemistry.
Memorable moments and future aspirations
Two achievements stand out in Shaw’s collegiate career. First, her team’s historic victory over Whitewater on their home floor—a win that hadn’t been achieved since 2019. Second, the back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances during her freshman and sophomore years. While both moments glitter with competitive pride, she cherishes the continuous growth she’s experienced as a player.
Looking ahead, Shaw’s ultimate dream job is to become a kindergarten or first-grade teacher, where she hopes to “make a positive difference” in young lives. Her bucket list includes skydiving, witnessing the Northern Lights, and exploring the Maldives—adventures she plans to pursue after graduation.
Even her pre-game routine reveals a personal quirk: a mandatory energy drink before every match. This small ritual, though simple, fuels her focus and readiness.
Words of wisdom for the next generation
Shaw’s advice to upcoming student-athletes is straightforward: savor every moment. She warns against taking “the little moments for granted,” reminding young players that the true value of the experience lies beyond wins and losses— in friendships, memories, and life lessons.
If her team were to choose a theme song, it would be “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy),” encapsulating the fun, upbeat spirit that defines her squad.
