Men's Swimming and Diving

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Jesse Hammes, UW-La Crosse

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:  Jesse Hammes
Institution: UW-La Crosse
Hometown and High School:  Sun Prairie, Wis. (East High School)
Year in School:  Senior
Sport:  Men's Swimming & Diving
Major:  ESS: Sport Management
Minors:  Mathematics and Business Administration

Why did you choose UW-La Crosse?
I chose UW-La Crosse for the academeic programs and the great surrounding scenery. I also found the culture on the swim team to be very enjoyable and welcoming, which is why I chose to compete here.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
SMA (Sport Management Association)

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
I enjoy the competitiveness of the WIAC and NCAA Division III, everyone that competes here wants to be here. I also have found success in academics as it allows me to be able to work hard towards a degree while being competitive in sport.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Chocolate
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  Whitney Dining Hall
TV Show?  Jujutsu Kaisen
Holiday?  Christmas
Food?  Sub Sandwiches
Animal?  Beluga Whale
Smartphone App?  Instagram
Musical Group or Artist?  Tame Impala  
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  Green Bay Packers
Vacation Spot?  Puerto Rico
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
Winning the 400 free relay at conference and winning the team title for the first time in 55 years.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Eat at the Whitney Dining Hall with my teammates.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
Blake Nelson.
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
Live every day in the moment, time moves by quick don't take anything for granted.
  
One word that describes you?
 Competitive.
 
What is your dream job? 
 Facility operations for a sport recreation facility.
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Go to Switzerland.
---Graduate.
---See a blue whale in person. 

A non-athletic talent that you have is?
Building computers.

What’s your dream sporting event to attend?
Summer Olympic Games.
 
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
I do the same warmup/stretching every meet. And hype up by slapping myself before races.
 
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