Women's Outdoor Track and Field

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Lauren Dimler, UW-Eau Claire

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:  Lauren Dimler
Institution:  UW-Eau Claire
Hometown and High School:  Janesville, Minn. (Mankato West High School)
Year in school:  Senior
Sport:  Women’s Track & Field
Major:  Integrated Strategic Communication - Public Relations
Minors:  Political Science & Sports Management

Why did you choose UW-Eau Claire?
I chose UW-Eau Claire because of the people. Right away when I met our head coach (Chip), I knew immediately he believed both in me and my abilities and wanted to help me succeed in athletics and academics. I had transferred to Eau Claire from a previous institution where my experience wasn’t exactly positive, and Chip, various coaches, and my teammates were able to support me in ways I never thought possible. They all helped me find my love for the sport again and helped me build back my confidence in

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
What I like most about competing in the WIAC is the quality and challenging competition of the conference. Every year, the WIAC is always one of the top conferences in the country, no matter the sport. There is always a plethora of athletes that end up on the national stage every year and it is a great conference to prepare athletes for the post-season. The WIAC is a great steppingstone to challenge athletes every day and is a great conference to be competitive in.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Chocolate Concrete Mixer with Brownie Bites
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Chocolate Volcano
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  The Library
TV Show?  Friends or Gilmore Girls
Holiday?  New Year’s
Food?  Chicken Freid Rice
Animal?  Cats
Smartphone App?  Pinterest
Musical Group or Artist?  Harry Styles or Hozier
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  Minnesota Timberwolves
Vacation Spot?  Anywhere! Love traveling to new places :)
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
One of my favorite sports moments (although there are many) was in 8th grade when I qualified for the state cross country meet for the first time. This was one of the first moments that I remember having my hard work pay off and has since given me the confidence in myself that I could be successful in running. My dad was also my coach at the time, which made the memory even more special.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
I love trying new restaurants around Eau Claire with the girls in my event group. We love to try new foods and love to spend time with each other that doesn’t involve running!
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
I look up to my mom. She is one of the most genuine people that I know and never fails to be there for me when I need her. I strive to embody her kindness and authenticity that she brings to every area of her life, as well as her care for others that never falters.
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
Don’t give up. That may sound cliche, but don’t give up. There was a time where I didn’t want to compete anymore, but I am forever grateful that I stuck with it. You have your dreams for a reason, go chase them!
 
One word that describes you?
Persistent
 
What is your dream job? 
My dream job, although I do not have an exact position in mind, would allow me to work in sports and travel simultaneously. I want to continue to be in a sports setting after I graduate but love to travel. In a perfect world, both of those things would combine in a dream position.
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Write a book
---Live in Europe for a year
---Visit Times Square at night
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
I can do calligraphy!

What’s your dream sporting event to attend?
I would love to attend a track meet at Hayward Field in Oregon.
 
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