Women's Lacrosse

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Marissa Van Dyke, UW-Stevens Point

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:  Marissa Van Dyke
Institution:  UW-Stevens Point
Hometown and High School:  Green Bay, Wis. (Green Bay Southwest High School)
Year in school:  Junior
Sport:  Lacrosse
Major:  Elementary Education
Minors:  Business Administration and Native American Certificate

Why did you choose UW-Stevens Point?
I chose UW-Stevens Point because I love the academic program that they have for education and the teachers that I had all through out my schooling. I also went to UW-Stevens Point and had glowing opinions on it.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
I love the competition and the friendships that you make with your opponents. I love that I am able to have conversations and relate to each other while still having great competition on and off the field. I love being a student-athlete and being able to support other teams and having the encouragement and fans in the stand when competing.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Chicken tenders
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Turtle Cheesecake
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  The library
TV Show?  Dance Moms
Holiday?  Halloween
Food?  Pesto Pasta
Animal?  Rolly Polly
Smartphone App?  Facebook
Musical Group or Artist?  Elton John
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  Milwaukee Bucks
Vacation Spot?  Bar Harbor, Maine
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
Winning my first college game against UW-Stout and scoring six goals with one assist.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Going hammocking around campus or playing spike ball.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
My role model is my dad because of how hard he works every day and being the most selfless person I know.
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
Appreciate every moment and to find the fun in even the low moments.
 
One word that describes you?
Optimist
 
What is your dream job? 
Second grade teacher
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Sky diving
---Go to Iceland
---Grow my own garden
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
Being good at puzzles 
 
What’s your dream sporting event to attend?
The World Cup
 
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