Women's Basketball

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Ali Sprangers, 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:  Ali Sprangers
Institution:  UW-La Crosse
Hometown and High School:  Kimberly, Wis. (Kimberly High School)
Year in School:  Senior
Sport:  Women's Basketball
Major:  Marketing
Minors:  Digital Media Studies & Design

Why did you choose UW-La Crosse?
The people! As a young recruit, the coaches, admissions staff, academic faculty, and team made UWL feel like family before I even stepped foot on campus.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
I’m a Vanguard, which is a campus tour guide at UWL. I’m also involved in our Newman Center, Women in Business Club, and Student Officials Association.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
It’s amazing how the WIAC challenges us to compete against some of the best local athletes. I love all the opportunities that being a D3 student-athlete provides! It makes it possible for me to be a successful student, athlete, club member, and community volunteer all at once.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Pretzel Bites
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Crazy for Cookie Dough
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  Wittich Hall (College of Business)
TV Show?  Friends
Holiday?  Christmas
Food?  Lobster
Animal?  Cat
Smartphone App?  Instagram
Musical Group or Artist?  Taylor Swift
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  Kon Knueppel
Vacation Spot?  Chain O’ Lakes in Waupaca, WI
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
Winning our first NCAA tournament game in 37 years in 2025.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Playing CatchPhrase.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
My mom’s incredible strength and perseverance.
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
The work you do when no one is watching matters the most. 
 
One word that describes you?
Dedicated.
 
What is your dream job? 
Social media for a professional sports team.
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Visit all 50 states (currently at 37).
---Produce a viral sports video.
---Travel to Rome, Italy.
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
Video editing.

What’s your dream sporting event to attend?
Summer Olympics.
 
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
My pre-game food is very superstitious! It always includes a BLT from Subway, white Gatorade, fruit snacks, and a juice box.
 
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