McPhee Center Pool | UW-Eau Claire Blugolds
McPhee Center Pool | UW-Eau Claire Blugolds
Emma Gruen, a senior from Elroy, Wisconsin, has been named UW-Eau Claire Athletics' Blugold of the Week, sponsored by BSN Sports/Nike. Gruen is majoring in Rehabilitation Science with a Pre-Chiropractic focus.
Gruen chose UW-Eau Claire for its beauty and academic reputation. She was also drawn to the university by Chip Schneider, who she describes as "a great coach" with a passion for track and field. "I already felt like I was a part of a family before I even got to campus," Gruen stated.
In addition to athletics, Gruen is involved in several campus organizations, including the Kinesiology Club. She volunteers for programs such as PRIDE Dance Program and PRIDE for Kids, which engage children with disabilities in physical activities. She is also set to participate in the Community Fitness Program for adults in Eau Claire.
Balancing academics and athletics as a heptathlete is challenging, but Gruen embraces it. "I have found ways to be good at time management by prioritizing what needs to get done first," she said. Her support system plays a crucial role in maintaining this balance.
Gruen's athletic achievements include qualifying for Nationals in 2023 and 2024 and making the All Time Top 10 lists at Eau Claire in both Pentathlon and Heptathlon events.
Her dream job is to become a pediatric chiropractor, though she also harbors aspirations of acting. If given the chance to travel anywhere, she would choose Bora Bora.
Offering advice to fellow student-athletes, Gruen emphasizes finding balance between commitments and cherishing every moment. "Don't complain about your plate being full when your goal was to Eat," she advises.
Teammate Emilee Booker describes Gruen as compassionate and supportive: "Emma wants our entire team to become the best that they are capable of." Coach Chip Schneider praises her steady presence: "She just goes about her business each day...with the ultimate goal of being her very best."
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugolds.com or on their app, Blugold Sports.
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