University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire

Laura Ladwig was a member of the Blugold swimming and diving dynasty from 1981 to 1983, earning the honor of Most Valuable Performer all three years. During her years at UWEC, the swim team captured the WWIAC title three times and the NAIA crown her senior year. In 1981, Ladwig won a national championship in the 200-yard freestyle at the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) Nationals. She earned All-American honors each year she swam for the Blugolds. In addition, Ladwig accumulated 10 individual conference titles including three consecutive crowns in the 200, 500 and 1650 freestyle events. Ladwig set numerous conference and school records during her three years at Eau Claire and at the time of her induction, still held pool records in the 200, 500, 1000 and 1650 freestyle events. Academically, Dale earned the Conference Scholar-Athlete award and NAIA Academic All-American recognition in 1983. A 1979 graduate of Racine Case High School, she earned her bachelor’s degree from UWEC in 1983.  At the time of her induction, she was an audit manager and licensed CPA for Arthur Andersen & Co in Minneapolis.