Football

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Charlie Koeppen, UW-Whitewater

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:  Charlie Koeppen
Institution:  UW-Whitewater
Hometown and High School:  Palos Heights, Ill. (Andrean)
Year in school:  Senior
Sport:  Football
Majors:  Finance and Digital Marketing with and emphasis in AI
Minor:  Professional Sales

Why did you choose UW-Whitewater?
From an academic standpoint, I thought the Business School was going to be very beneficial to me as a student athlete. I also fell in love with the coaching staff and the vision of the football program.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
I am a part of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. Also, when my schedule allows, I participate in AMA events here on campus.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being an NCAA Division III student-athlete?
The best part about competing in the WIAC is the level of competition and the reputation it carries within Division III. Every week you’re competing against talented teams, which forces you to prepare and perform at a high level. Being part of a conference with such a strong history of national success makes representing UW-Whitewater something I take a lot of pride in.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Cheeseburger
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Dark Chocolate PB Crunch
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  University Center
TV Show?  Reacher
Holiday?  Christmas
Food?  Sushi
Animal?  Bear
Smartphone App?  Instagram
Musical Group or Artist?  Kings of Leon
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  Chicago Bears
Vacation Spot?  London or Portugal
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
Playing in front of 20,000 fans on multiple occasions.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
My favorite thing to do off the field is get together with my teammates and just hang out - whether we’re playing pool, darts, or cards.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
My Parents
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
Don't allow yourself to forget the athlete you are. Athletic confidence is key!
 
What is your dream job? 
Sports broadcaster
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Travel to Asia
---Road Trip out West
---Win a championship
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
Learning the guitar

What’s your dream sporting event to attend?
White Sox vs. Cubs world Series
 
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
During pre-game, I always throw a 25-yard pass until I hit the cross bar on the goal post.
 
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