Each week, the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) recognizes athletes by awarding them the Kwik Trip Athlete of the Week title for their respective sport. 

For the week of Nov. 4-10, UW-Eau Claire women’s volleyball player Abby Stanwood received this honor for her defensive play against UW-Lacrosse on Nov. 8. Although Stanwood’s main position is outside hitter, she contributed 17 digs and a pair of blocks in addition to her 9 kills.

“Normally, outside players would get the award for offensive player of the week,” Stanwood said. “I’m really proud of myself and all the work I’ve put in defensively, such as working on my back row play and serve-receive. It’s really cool to see my all-around game.”

According to Stanwood, she has been playing volleyball since she was about 10 years old. She played for the Northern Lights club team in Minnesota, where she originally met a few of her current Blugold teammates.

Stanwood was also a four-year member of the Minnetonka High School varsity volleyball team, where she was selected for first-team all-conference three years in a row, best defensive player her junior year and best offensive player her senior year.

Stanwood was recruited to play Division I volleyball at Stony Brook University in Long Island, New York. However, she decided to transfer to UW-Eau Claire for the spring semester of the 2023-24 school year to be closer to home and her friends.

“It was the best decision I ever made, and I’m really excited to be where I am,” Stanwood said. “I can’t even explain how amazing this culture is. Every single person on this team is so supportive and so positive.” 

Kim Wudi, head coach of UW-Eau Claire women’s volleyball, said she already knew of Stanwood as a great player when she was in high school and the team was excited to hear she was transferring.

“She really fit in seamlessly when she came to Eau Claire,” Wudi said. “She’s a fantastic player, obviously, but also a great leader and teammate … She always looks at what she can do for the team and her teammates to help them be the best they can be.”

Stanwood said she gives credit for this award to her teammates — for their contributions during games as well as pushing her in practice — and coaches for holding her to a high standard.

“Awards mean nothing without your team,” Stanwood said. “You can’t get anywhere without them … The coaches come into practice every single day with a championship in mind. I just feel so grateful to have such amazing teammates and coaches that push me every day.”

According to Stanwood, the team typically practices for two hours per day, six days per week. She said she has been working more on middle-back defense recently, focusing on reading the ball, making aggressive moves and getting stops.

Stanwood is a six-rotation player, according to Wudi, meaning that she needs to be skilled in all areas — attacking, blocking, defending and serving. Wudi said it’s a big load to carry but she has seen Stanwood’s confidence grow during her time at UW-Eau Claire.

“Abby is an outstanding communicator and a compassionate person,” Wudi said. “She’s also an incredible student with tough classes and she manages everything really well. She’s really an exemplary student-athlete for us.”

This is Stanwood’s second semester at UW-Eau Claire. She is a biology and pre-professional health student. Outside of volleyball, Stanwood enjoys working out with her mom and crocheting.

“Volleyball is such a big part of my life,” Stanwood said. “I love holding myself to high expectations and setting big goals. My long-term goals are to maintain my physical play, have an amazing season this year and a great senior year. I’m going to play for the rest of my life, even when not in college.”

Matczak can be reached at [email protected].