Carolyn Shult is a fifth-year student and prominent team player for the UW-Eau Claire Cross Country team. Shult has earned the title of several awards.
Coming in first place, Shult claimed the title of the 2023 WIAC Individual Champion. Competing against 87 other contenders and running nearly four miles, her run time was 21:25:6.
“It felt like a full circle moment,” Shult said. “It was something I will cherish for a long time. Most of the team had watched and cheered, and everyone was so excited so there was a really good energy.”
Shult has also won the title Scholar Athlete as well as being announced Kwik Trip’s Athlete of the Week two separate times this season.
However, success in competition is not the only thing that is important to Shult.
“It is less about competing and more so the routine of going to practice every day and bettering myself both physically and mentally,” she said. Seeing our teammates put in the hard work makes me want to do so too, and vice versa.”
The bond of the woman’s cross-country team has been a factor in her success as well.
“My motivation for success comes from being with the team every day.” Shult said. “I get to see how hard the other women are working. It makes it easier to get out of the door when you know people are counting on you.”
Before the start of a race, Shult envisions her past accomplishments.
“Definitely going into bigger races, it feels like there can be a lot more on the line, but I think about all the work that I’ve done,” Shult said. “I try to feel confident in the moment, and once the gun goes off, I know that I will do what I need to do because I have done this so many times.”
Hard work has also played a significant role.
“You really get out what you put in. Good outcomes are from the direct work that you do,” Shult said.
Shult’s career-long head coach Dan Schwamberger spoke highly of her presence on the team.
“Carolyn has always been extremely dedicated and a very strong runner. But over the past few seasons, her confidence has grown tremendously. She now truly enjoys racing and it shows in her remarkable results.” Schwamberger said.
Schwamberger said her team spirit has impacted the rest of the team.
“I am very proud of Carolyn and the other two team captains,” Schwamberger said. “They made this season incredibly fun for me and the rest of the team. They’ve helped everyone on the team feel important, making practice the highlight of everyone’s day.”
Schwamberger and the other coaching staff have also been of influence to Shult.
“Their personal coaching philosophy really resonates with me,” Shult said. “They care about our success over the course of our whole career, and not just one race. They want you to be successful for the long term.”
Looking to the future, Shult said running competitively outside of UW-Eau Claire would be an adjustment.
“Once I run anywhere else, it won’t be the same,” she said.
Weiss can be reached at [email protected]
