Women's Cross Country

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Lucy Cler, UW-Eau Claire

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:  Lucy Cler
Institution:  UW-Eau Claire
Hometown and High School:  Oswego, IL – Oswego High School  
Year in school:  Sophomore
Sport:  Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field
Majors:  Public Health and Psychology
Minor:  Neuroscience
 
Why did you choose UW-Eau Claire?
I love all the resources they have for students on campus and how easy they are to access and use, and how flexible degree plans are for students. The robust study abroad program was appealing to me too, and though I haven’t traveled abroad yet I certainly plan to!
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
I am involved in Mark Cosby Honors College and Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being an NCAA Division III student-athlete?
Something I really love about being a Division III athlete in the WIAC is the flexibility it allows me to balance the things that are important to me. I have the ability to work part time, be a full time student, and compete at a high level - giving me a well-rounded college experience without having to sacrifice any of those three components.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Vanilla concrete mixer with peanut butter and s’mores
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Oreo Overload
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  Any outdoor green space on campus!
TV Show?  How I Met Your Mother
Holiday?  Halloween
Food?  Peanut Butter
Animal?  Jellyfish
Smartphone App?  Spotify
Musical Group or Artist?  Lizzy McAlpine
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  Nikki Hiltz
Vacation Spot?  San Diego, CA
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
Re-finding my confidence in racing this year and seeing the results of my hard work over the summer pay off..
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
I love visiting the EC farmer’s market and visiting our favorite coffee shops in the area!
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
Keeley Behr – a prior teammate who graduated from UWEC in 2026.
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
The sooner you’re able to trust your team, your coach, and the training, the sooner you will see the results you want to see – even if you don’t start out exactly where you want to or feel like you should. Be patient with yourself, and understand that if you are consistent, the pieces will click when they need to. And most of all, enjoy what you do! Find joy in the little things, find joy in the success of others, and find joy in the process.
 
If your team had a theme song, what would it be?
Breakin’ Dishes – Rhianna
 
What is your dream job? 
Pediatric Occupational Therapy
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Attend a ‘destination concert’
---Visit the Redwoods national park in California
---Spectate a professional track competition
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
I’m a barista and I can make some pretty fabulous latte art!

What’s your dream sporting event to attend?
An Athlos meet!!
 
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
I make sure to have extra good & long sleep the week leading up to the race, and a peanut butter bagel the morning of!
 
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