Chippewa Valley Times

Junior Travis Thompson from Highland, Maryland, majoring in business administration, is making significant strides in sports management at UW-Eau Claire. As a pitcher for the Blugold baseball team and member of Recreation and Sport Operations, Thompson ensures an optimal experience for students in club or intramural sports. “Whether a student is out there to just have fun, get some exercise, head-spike a ball for the heck of it, or even just make some new friends — it’s a way to chill, shake off the stress of classes and concentrate on fun for a while,” Thompson explains.

Thompson has served in various roles, from a sports official to the competitive sports program assistant. He is now representing UW-Eau Claire with the Wisconsin Intramural-Recreational Sports Association and will be the state representative at the national level. “The work can sometimes be unexciting things like policies and rules, but it’s still interesting to work with all the representatives to advocate for improvements and expanded opportunities at the campus and regional levels,” he mentions. “We all push for a productivity level that makes each campus able to maximize its programming,” he adds.

Karlie Stefonik, his supervisor, speaks highly of Thompson’s growth. “Travis takes advantage of opportunities to build his professional network, share and gain new ideas for programming, and practice business communication skills. His networking at WIRSA just landed him an internship in youth camps at UW-Madison's Recreation & Wellbeing department this summer. We’re very proud of Travis’s contributions,” Stefonik states.

Thompson's experience at UW-Eau Claire extends beyond baseball. He attributes his choice to the campus environment and the opportunity to compete. Thompson initially aimed for a career in nursing but shifted focus to sports management, combining a business major with a coaching minor.

Looking ahead, Thompson plans to pursue a graduate assistant position in recreation and is considering locations on the West Coast or southwest region. “I’m not too sure yet what degree I would be pursuing, but I am looking into a master’s in higher education, sports management, or parks and recreation,” he shares.

Additionally, Thompson appreciates the connection between the university and the city of Eau Claire, particularly how community and university events are intertwined. He cites various experiences at UWEC, from baseball commitments to networking opportunities at WIRSA conferences, as invaluable.

During his downtime, Thompson enjoys staying active, exploring new eateries, and indulging in sports events. He highlights Star Cup downtown as a favorite spot in Eau Claire. Thompson’s college journey has taught him the value of networking and self-confidence, essential skills he believes will benefit high school students considering UWEC for their education.