Women's Swimming and Diving

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Molly Banks, UW-La Crosse

Each week during the 2022-23 academic year, the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) will feature two student-athletes (one male and one female) from one of its eight institutions for a “Student-Athlete Spotlight” Q & A segment. The segments will be posted every Thursday and individuals are selected by the institution. The WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlights are presented by Culver's.


Name:  Molly Banks
Institution:  UW-La Crosse
Hometown (High School):  Sturgeon Bay, Wis. (Sevastopol High School)
Year in School:  Senior
Sport:  Women’s Swimming & Diving
Major:  Marketing
Minor:  Digital Media Studies


Why did you choose UW-La Crosse?
I’m originally from Door County, Wisconsin and La Crosse felt like a home away from home. The bluffs, river, and marsh land of La Crosse reminded me of the beaches, lakes, and woodlands of Door County. Although it was La Crosse’s beautiful scenery that initially caught my eye, my decision was solidified after meeting the swim team my freshman year.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
I’m also involved with the American Marketing Association (AMA) on campus.
 
What causes do you care about?
Climate change. There are actions we can all take to decrease our carbon footprints. Whether it is through changing habits, consuming less, or voting for representatives that will take action, it all plays a part in slowing down the effects of climate change.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
Everyone involved in Division III athletics wants to be there. There are no hidden motives and the energy is unmatched!
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Chicken tender basket with fries
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Blackberry Cobbler!
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  The Center for the Arts building (CFA). It’s a perfect building to study in and there is always art from UWL students on display.
Movie?  The Age of Adaline
Holiday?  Saint Patrick’s Day (I love any excuse to wear green)
Food?  Gyros
Musical Group/Artist?  My favorite musical group/artist is always changing, but lately it’s been The Allman Brothers.
Professional Sports Athlete/Team?  I’m not big into professional sports, so out of loyalty to Wisconsin, I’ll say the Packers!
Vacation Spot?  I’m currently in Puerto Rico on my swim team training trip and it’s awesome! Art and color is everywhere. The lush green landscapes and ocean views are spectacular. I definitely plan on returning in the future and encourage others to visit!
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
Being a part of the UWL women’s swimming & diving legacy of winning the WIAC championship.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
The night before meets, we have a big pasta dinner with the entire women’s team and it’s always a great way to get some quality time with teammates and fuel up for meet day!
 
One word that describes your team?
Dependable.
 
One word that describes you?
Perceptive.
 
What is your dream job? 
I would want to work in the music industry in some form; whether it be in radio, production, or marketing, I think I would really enjoy it. Music is a passion of mine and the industry is fascinating to me.
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Backpack in Iceland.
---See the Northern Lights.
---Free dive at extreme depths.
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
I play guitar, drums, and piano and spend most of my free time playing music with friends.

Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
I also play underwater hockey and my pre-game breath work transferred over to swimming when I realized how beneficial it was to my races. Usually, it’s deep diaphragm breathing with complete exhales while I visualize my race.
 
# # # # #