Women's Soccer

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Shannon Walsh, UW-Oshkosh

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:  Shannon Walsh
Institution:  UW- Oshkosh
Hometown and High School:  Des Plaines, Ill. (Maine West)
Year in school:  Senior
Sport:  Women’s Soccer
Major:  Nursing
 
Why did you choose UW- Oshkosh?
I chose UW-Oshkosh because of its competitive women’s soccer program, nursing program, the location, and atmosphere on campus.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
UWO Honors College and Student Nurses Association
 
What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic
Conference and being an NCAA Division III student-athlete?
I really enjoy the competition and culture of the conference. The WIAC is a high achieving
conference that provides a competitive atmosphere for me as a student-athlete to grow in my sport. Competing as an NCAA Division III student-athlete has allowed me to pursue my passion for nursing while competing at a high collegiate level.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Chicken tenders
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Chocolate Covered Strawberry
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  Reeve Coffee House
TV Show?  Gilmore Girls/Diplomat
Holiday?  Christmas
Food?  Chinese
Animal?  Dog
Smartphone App?  Tik Tok
Musical Group or Artist?  Ella Langley
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  Caleb Williams - Chicago Bears
Vacation Spot?  San Diego, Calif.
 
What is your greatest sports moment?
My greatest sports moment was scoring the winning goal at our home field against St. Norbert. Also, winning the cup in the 151 Derby against the University of Dubuque this year.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
My favorite things to do off the court with my teammates would be our team breakfasts and dinners, going to get coffee together, and going for walks by the river.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
The people I look up to most are my mom and my dad. My parents have supported me
throughout my entire athletic career and through all my ambitions. They are always there for me and have been my biggest advocates. My mom has been a role model for me throughout my life.
She has taught me many important lessons and supports me through each chapter of my life. My
father has shown me how to overcome difficult obstacles and persevere through the hard times.
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
For younger student-athletes, I would advise them to enjoy every moment with their teammates and friends, both through sports and outside of athletics. I would advise younger student-athletes to take advantage of every opportunity that comes up and pursue it to their full potential.
 
If your team had a theme song, what would it be?
Pump it Up
 
What is your dream job?
Critical care nurse
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---I want to travel to Greece, Italy and Ireland.
---Be in New York City on New Year’s Eve.
---I want to run a marathon.
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
I love making different kinds of drinks, especially coffee.
 
What’s your dream sporting event to attend?
My dream sporting event to attend would be the Chicago Blackhawks winning the Stanley Cup.
 
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
I always have coffee on the day of the game.
 
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