Campus Connection

Ochsenwald supports program that shaped her life on One Day for UWL

Jamie Ochsenwald was drawn to UW-La Crosse for the strong academics, but it was her decision to try out for the university soccer team that truly changed the course of her life and career. 

“This spontaneous choice turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made,” says Ochsenwald, who earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise and sport science (2014) and her master’s in human performance (2017), both from UWL. “Becoming part of the team not only led me to change my major, but also has provided me with a team I will always be a part of.” 

Ochsenwald has used the lessons she learned in the classroom and on the soccer field throughout her time as a collegiate strength and conditioning coach. And she is proud to “Live Maroon and Give Maroon” by supporting the soccer program on One Day for UWL, set to return Oct. 21 and 22. 

“It was at UWL that I discovered my career path, met my husband and formed lifelong friendships. The soccer program in particular gave me a sense of purpose on campus and launched my career. Giving back is a way for me to express my gratitude and to support a program that has provided me with so much. By contributing, I hope to help the program grow and create opportunities for future student-athletes, continuing the legacy of excellence and community.” 

Jason Murphy, UWL soccer coach, says support from donors like Ochsenwald is critical to the health of the program, which has enjoyed tremendous success in recent years. The team has won the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament five times since 2015 and has qualified for the NCAA Division III Tournament seven times in the same period. 

The team also excels in the classroom, with a cumulative GPA around 3.60. 

“One Day for UWL, and philanthropy in general, has changed the experience of playing for UWL soccer,” Murphy says. “I cannot emphasize enough the significant impact our donors have made. The chance to play soccer at UWL has always been meaningful, but with the added resources, we have been able to create an extraordinary experience for our players.”

These experiences include trips abroad and across the United States — Costa Rica, Italy, California and Virginia — for competitive play and sightseeing. A portion of One Day funds also support two endowments used to position the program for future success. 

For Ochsenwald, the memories she created as a member of the soccer team are still close to her heart. She remembers the pregame rituals, walking out of the locker room while reciting lines from the movie “Miracle.” And she remembers the difference they made, volunteering at the annual Steppin’ Out in Pink event in support of local breast cancer research and awareness. 

Even after finishing her bachelor’s degree, Ochsenwald stayed closely connected to the program, serving as a sports performance coach as a graduate assistant. 

These experiences, paired with the educational opportunities that first drew her to UWL, set Ochsenwald on a path to success. 

“I am incredibly proud to have earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees from UWL. And being part of a team in college laid the foundation for my passion for college athletics,” Ochsenwald says. “As a coach, having the opportunities to make similar impacts on the athletes I’ve worked with is a significant accomplishment not only in my career but also in my personal life.”