Profile for Alison Sprangers

Brief biography

Hometown: Appleton, Wisconsin

Why I love La Crosse: La Crosse is a hidden gem — it has a little bit of everything. Between the bluffs, marsh trails, and the Mississippi River, the scenery is hard to beat. And the food is just as good — Big Al’s for pizza, The Crow for burgers, and The Pearl for ice cream are some of my favorites.

Advice to new students: Don't feel like you have to limit yourself to just one interest or activity in college. One of the best things about UWL is that you really can do everything you want to do at once. Some of my favorite experiences came from getting involved in completely different areas of campus and saying yes to opportunities outside my comfort zone.

How I spend my free time: As a former women’s basketball player at UWL, I’m a big advocate for Division III athletics because of the balance it creates. DIII athletes are able to fully invest in their sport while also being involved in academics, organizations, campus jobs, and leadership opportunities. My experience as a student-athlete helped shape my confidence, discipline, and work ethic in ways that go far beyond basketball.