Women's Volleyball

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Lauren Shaw, UW-Stevens Point

Each week during the 2026-27 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:  Lauren Shaw
Institution:  UW-Stevens Point
Hometown and High School:  Gurnee, Ill. (Warren Township)
Year in school:  Senior
Sport:  Women’s Volleyball
Majors:  Early Childhood & Elementary Education

Why did you choose UW- Stevens Point?
I chose UW-Stevens Point because of the family atmosphere. From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt welcomed and knew it was somewhere I could see myself growing as both a student and an athlete. The relationships I've built with my teammates, friends, and mentors have made Stevens Point feel like my home away from home. I am extremely grateful I chose this wonderful place; over the past four years I've built a life here I wouldn't trade for anything.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
I am a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Wisconsin State Reading Association (WSRA). I am also currently enrolled in the School of Education here at UWSP!

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being an NCAA Division III student-athlete?
What I love about competing in the WIAC is how competitive the conference is. Every game is a battle, and you have to show up ready to compete. Being a Division III student-athlete has also allowed me to pursue my passion for volleyball while working toward my future career in education. I love being surrounded by teammates who are just as passionate and hardworking as I am. What I find most special about Division III athletics is the genuine love for the game. Unlike Division I and II, Division III athletes do not receive athletic scholarships, meaning we show up every day simply because we love what we do. I think Division III athletics are often overlooked or viewed as a lower level of competition, when in reality, there is an incredible amount of talent, dedication, and hard work at this level. I think that is what makes Division III so special, and I am incredibly proud to be a part of it.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Cheese Curds!
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Mint Explosion
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  The new Library!
TV Show?  Friends
Holiday?  Christmas
Food?  Sushi
Animal?  Dog
Smartphone App?  Tik Tok
Musical Group or Artist?  Drake and Sienna Spiro
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  Lexi Rodriguez
Vacation Spot?  Brazil
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
One of my greatest sports moments has been either beating Whitewater on their home court (was the first time anyone had beaten them on their home floor since 2019) or making the NCAA tournament my freshman and sophomore year. Although, getting to compete alongside my teammates at the collegiate level is the best memory in itself. Looking back at how much I've grown as a player and the memories I've made throughout my four years is something I'll always be proud of.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court with your teammates?
My favorite thing to do off the court with my teammates is honestly just spending time together. Whether we're having team dinners, hanging out, or laughing about the most random things, there's never a dull moment with this group.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
I look up to my parents because they have always been my biggest supporters. They have taught me the importance of hard work, dedication, and being a good person. They've supported me through all the highs and lows of being a student-athlete, and I wouldn't be where I am today without them.
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
My biggest advice would be to enjoy every second of it because it truly goes by so fast. Don't take the little moments for granted, and remember that being a student-athlete is about so much more than wins and losses. The friendships, memories, and lessons you gain along the way are what make the experience special.
 
If your team had a theme song, what would it be?
Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy), of course!
 
What is your dream job? 
My dream job is to become a kindergarten or first-grade teacher! I've always had a passion for working with children, and I can't wait to have a classroom of my own where I can make a positive difference in my students' lives.
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Go skydiving at least once in my life.
---See the Northern Lights in person.
---Visit the Maldives!
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
I am weirdly flexible.

What’s your dream sporting event to attend?
I would absolutely love to see Nebraska volleyball play again! The experience was unreal.
  
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
I ALWAYS have an energy drink before a game.
 
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