Chippewa Valley Times

UW-Stout is preparing for the 2025-26 academic year by welcoming student athletes back to campus. More than 300 athletes from sports including soccer, volleyball, cross country, tennis, golf, dance, and cheer are arriving for their fall camps. The football team, which has 152 players this season, reported to camp on August 13.

Season tickets for the Blue Devils’ fall sports are now available.

Director of Athletics and Recreation Erin Sullivan commented on the return of students: “This is my favorite time of the year. It is great to start seeing student athletes fill the Recreation Complex, the campus and the community. It means we are ready to go for another year and see what we can achieve.” She added, “Sports are typically something easy to get behind, so it’s always nice to see the support we get from the campus community. Our Athletics Department and the student athletes really do appreciate it.”

Student athletes have begun moving into their residence halls and will participate in activities such as team building exercises, practices, meetings, film sessions and weightlifting. The leadership skills developed through athletics often benefit them in other areas on campus.

Football Head Coach Clayt Birmingham expressed optimism about building on last season’s results while evaluating new team members: “Our goals and expectations never change – to win at everything we do in life, on and off the field. Every day is ‘Game Day.’” Last year’s football team finished with a record of 6-5 overall and 4-3 in conference play. Their season ended with a close loss against Wheaton College in the Culver’s Isthmus Bowl. Eleven players earned All-WIAC honors.

Women’s soccer Head Coach Marcos Rogriguez said he looks forward to seeing how his roster responds this fall: “The biggest goal we have is to compete day in and day out, giving our best effort each day. I want them to set high goals for themselves, including making the playoffs and to see where it goes from there. This group is fully capable of reaching that goal.” The women’s soccer roster features 34 players with a mix of returning members and ten newcomers.

A major renovation project for UW-Stout's Recreation Complex has been endorsed by students, coaches and administration as an investment in health and wellness for Blue Devil athletes. Plans include expanding fitness space with a new entrance addition; creating a multiuse gym; relocating the weight room; adding three studio gyms; as well as enlarging locker rooms and restrooms for improved convenience and accessibility. Construction could begin as early as 2026 if approved within Wisconsin's state capital budget process.