Purpose & Principles

Mission

The Rec Sports Department enhances the UW-La Crosse experience by offering diverse programs, innovative services, growth opportunities and welcoming facilities.

Vision

A thriving community enjoying active and healthy lives

Core Values

Fun, Wellness, Inclusion, Integrity, Collaboration, Customer Service and Leadership Development

Let's Move

Movement means more than fitness or competition—it’s about finding what feels right for you. Whether it’s playing a sport, lifting weights, spending time outdoors, gaming, or simply taking a mindful walk, we believe everyone deserves a way to move that fits their life, their goals, and their identity. Let’s Move is our invitation to explore, connect, and discover joy in motion—on your own terms, in your own way.

Something for Everyone

We celebrate the idea that recreation isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re looking for competition, relaxation, social connection, personal growth, or just a break in your day, there’s a place for you here. Our spaces and programs are designed to meet a wide range of interests, abilities, and goals. Something for Everyone reflects our commitment to creating an environment where every student can find their own way to engage and thrive. Programs/services include: 

• Open Recreation
• Fitness Equipment
• Group Fitness
• Personal Training 
• Outdoor Connection: Equipment Rental, Trips & Green Bikes
• Climbing Gym
• EZONE: Esports & Gaming
• Intramural Sports
• Sport Clubs
• Instructional Programs
• Mitchell Hall Pool
• Special Events

Everyone Welcome

You don’t need to be an athlete, have prior experience, or meet a certain fitness level to take part. Our programs and spaces are built on the belief that recreation is for every student—whether you’re trying something new, building healthy habits, or just looking for a fun way to connect. Everyone Welcome means no barriers, no prerequisites—just an open invitation to move, play, and belong.

For Students, by Students

UWL Rec Sports is powered by students, for students. With more than 200 student employees serving in roles that range from officiating and fitness instruction to facility operations and outdoor leadership, our programs are built on peer-to-peer support and connection. This student-driven model not only provides valuable jobs and leadership opportunities, but also ensures that the experiences we create are designed with the student perspective at the center. For Students, By Students means every part of Rec Sports is shaped by the community it serves.

An Active Tradition

UWL Rec Sports is one of the most popular programs on campus, with more than 86% of UWL students engaging with Rec Sports every year. At the heart of campus life, Rec Sports brings students together through movement, connection, and fun. When you join Rec Sports, you’re joining a community that most UWL students are already part of—and one that’s always ready to welcome you.

Mens Corpusque

UWL’s official motto, mens corpusque (“mind and body”), reflects an educational philosophy that recognizes each student as a whole person and aspires to enhance both mind and body through the search for knowledge, truth, and meaning. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle supports that mission by helping students perform better both in and out of the classroom.

2024-2025
2023-2024
2022-2023
2021-2022

NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation, is the leading resource for professional and student development, education, and research in collegiate recreational sports.  

WIRSA, the Wisconsin Intramural Recreational Sports Association, fosters and enhances the quality of collegiate recreational programs in various settings throughout the state of Wisconsin. 

AORE , the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education is an organization developed by and for outdoor recreation and education professionals and students.