Women's Volleyball

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Mya Cinnamo, UW-Eau Claire

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:  Mya Cinnamo
Institution:  UW-Eau Claire
Hometown and High School:  Rosemount, Minn. (Rosemount High School)
Year in school:  Junior
Sports:  Volleyball and Women’s Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field
Major:  Nursing

Why did you choose UW-Eau Claire
I chose UW-Eau Claire because of the people. The people here are what makes this place special, from professors, to peers, teammates, and coaches. I always feel support and love in everything that I do here at the University.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
What I love most about competing in the WIAC is that there is never an off day. This conference is so competitive in all sports. Every WIAC team always brings their best which is so fun to be a part of. What I love most about being an NCAA Division III student athlete is that I get to do all things I love. I get to be a part of my two favorite sports and pursue my passion in nursing.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Chocolate concrete mixer with peanut butter cups
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Dark chocolate PB crunch
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  The library 
TV Show?  One tree hill
Holiday?  Easter
Food?  Ribs
Animal?  Tiger
Smartphone App?  Pinterest
Musical Group or Artist?  Justin Bieber
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone
Vacation Spot?  Turks and Caicos
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
For volleyball, reverse sweeping Eagan in the sectional semifinals my senior year to advance to the sectional finals. For track, it would be placing fourth overall as a team at the 2025 Outdoor Track & Field nationals, along with receiving All-American honors in the 4x400, scoring points for our team to get that big trophy.  
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
We love to find new coffee places and go on adventure outside, but if it is cold out, we love to get cozy and watch a movie.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
I look up to both of my parents. They have both taught me so much about myself and what it takes to be strong, yet caring. They are always there to support me in the good, happy, sad, bad, and frustrating times. There is never a day that goes by where I do not feel their love and support.
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
Take it all in. Times flies by (and I know everyone says that, but it is true). Love what you do and love who you do it with.
 
One word that describes you?
Caring
 
What is your dream job? 
Being a CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist)
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Go to Australia
---Visit all 50 states 
---Attend a lantern lighting festival
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
Drawing

What’s your dream sporting event to attend?
Going to the Olympic games to watch Track & Field.
 
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
Depending on what sport I am in. For volleyball I must wear a bun in my hair, and for track I have a specific routine before getting into my blocks.
 
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