Women's Soccer

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Sarah Liljestrand, UW-Platteville

Each week during the 2025-26 academic year, the 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:  Sarah Liljestrand
Institution:  UW-Platteville
Hometown and High School:  Lombard, Ill. (Glenbard East High School)
Year in school:  Senior
Sport:  Women’s Soccer
Majors: Marketing and Human Resource Management

Why did you choose UW-Platteville?
I chose UW–Platteville because it felt like the right balance of academics, athletics, and community. The campus has a welcoming environment, and I really liked the team culture and coaching staff. It also gave me the chance to keep playing the sport I love while earning a strong education.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
Student-Athlete Bible Study, AMA, SHRM

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
The WIAC is an ultra-competitive environment that pushes us to be our best every day. Being a Division III student-athlete challenges me too.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  French Fries
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Crazy for Cookie Dough
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  Rooftop of Sesquicentennial Hall
TV Show?  Modern Family
Holiday?  Christmas
Food?  Steak
Animal?  Koala
Smartphone App?  Instagram
Musical Group or Artist?  Megan Moroney
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  Liverpool F.C.
Vacation Spot?  Vero Beach, Florida
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
Scoring my first collegiate goal.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Movie nights.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
My parents.
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
I’d tell younger athletes to remember why they love the game and let that passion drive them. College sports take discipline, so balancing school, soccer, and life is important, time management is huge. Lean on your teammates and coaches and take care of both your body and mind. If you stay consistent and enjoy the journey, the hard work will pay off on and off the field.
 
One word that describes you?
Energetic
 
What is your dream job? 
Professional Sports Marketing
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Hiking Machu Pichu
---Run a Marathon
---Visiting Switzerland
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
Baking

What’s your dream sporting event to attend?
Super Bowl
 
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
Game Day braids by my teammates, pregame Gatorade.
 
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