Emma Gruen (Sr. - Elroy, Wis.) has been selected as UW-Eau Claire Athletics' Blugold of the Week presented by BSN Sports/Nike.
Year: Senior
Hometown: Elroy, Wis.
Major(s)/Minor(s): Major in Rehabilitation Science, Pre-Chiropractic
Why did you choose UW-Eau Claire?
"I chose Eau Claire because it is beautiful, has a great academic reputation, and I knew Chip was going to be a great coach to continue my love for competing in track and field. He was one of my main draws to continue my athletic career because I could see his passion in wanting to coach me. I already felt like I was a part of a family before I even got to campus."
Are you involved with other clubs/organizations in campus?
"I have been involved in Kinesiology Club and with multiple different programs through Kinesiology. I have been a volunteer for the PRIDE Dance Program and PRIDE for Kids. PRIDE stands for Physical Activity and Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities in Eau Claire. The PRIDE Dance Program is exploring children's creativity through the art of dancing. We are paired up with a participant and practice every week with them and then get the privilege to perform a dance recital at the end of each season. PRIDE for Kids is a program that engages children with disabilities in physical activities and social interactions. I am about to participate in Community Fitness Program for adults in the Eau Claire community. This is a program where I will work with adults three times a week, to create and evaluate an exercise program to guide them on their health journey. Thanks goes out to my selfless professors that have worked so hard to make these programs so successful!! "Give of Yourself and Expect Nothing in Return."
How do you balance being a student-athlete?
"Being a heptathlete, it is a challenge to balance academics, athletics, and a social life, but it is a challenge I was willing to master. I have always kept my plate very full as I was a three-sport athlete in high school along with being involved in many clubs and organizations. I like a busy lifestyle. I have found ways to be good at time management by prioritizing what needs to get done first and compartmentalizing my 'To Do List.' I find writing myself lists is very helpful, as well! But in reality, this balance is made easy because of my support system. My coaches and teammates are very understanding if another area of my life needs my attention. Same with my amazing friends and family, they know track has my heart and understand my commitment to academics. It is really important who you surround yourself with!"
What moment in your athletic career at UW-Eau Claire are you most proud of?
"I am most proud of qualifying for Nationals in both 2023 and 2024. I have also made the All Time Top 10 lists in Eau Claire history in both the Pentathlon and Heptathlon."
What is your favorite pre/post competition snack?
"My favorite pre-meet snack is a turkey sandwich or fruit roll ups. My favorite post-meet *beverage is I love to drink Pedialyte!!"
Do you have any unique/hidden talents?
"My hidden talent is I can do the human jump rope with my arms. I can like physically use my arms as a jump rope around my entire body. I also have a knack for braiding or doing hair."
What is your dream job?
"My dream job would be an actress. But my real dream job that I am getting my degree towards is a pediatric chiropractor. I think it would be so rewarding to work with mothers prenatal and postpartum, babies, and families in their health journey."
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
"Bora Bora. It looks like a dream."
If you could spend the day with one professional athlete/celebrity, who would it be?
"I would go back in time and spend a day with my Grandma that I never met. She is a celebrity in my eyes."
What advice do you have for current/incoming Blugold student-athletes?
"I would tell them to enjoy every moment and to make sure they find their happy balance between all their commitments. I would tell them to plan that Spring Break Trip because these years they'll never get back. I would tell them to be humble and kind. "If you are good, people will know. You don't have to boast." I would tell them to be proactive on their academics and to not be afraid to ask questions! To the student-athletes like me that feel like their plate is always full I would say this, "Don't complain about your plate being full, when your goal was to Eat." Thank you for this Honor. I truly feel blessed. Thank you to Chip, my parents, and my family and friends. I wouldn't be the woman I am today without my support system. Love you all!!"
What they say about Emma Gruen...
"One word I would use to describe Emma is compassionate. Emma wants our entire team to become the best that they are capable of. She supports and cheers for us when we win and consoles us when we know we could have done better.As a team captain as well, Emma is an amazing teammate because she leads by example. She works hard and encourages others to do the same."
-Emilee Booker, Women's Indoor Track & Field
"Emma provides a source of calm to our team. She is steady in her approach to not just getting better, but to making the atmosphere around our team a positive one. She has the ability to smile through a tough situation which helps maintain peace.Emma is also a winner. She won't ever boast or pat herself on the back. She just goes about her business each day, good or bad with the ultimate goal of being her very best."
-Chip Schneider, Head Women's Indoor Track & Field Coach
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugolds.com or on our app, Blugold Sports.
