When it comes to balancing a stellar athletic career with top-tier academics, few do it better than UW-Eau Claire's Paige Lathrop. The senior outfielder from South Milwaukee has been a force both at the plate and in the field, earning her second straight first-team all-conference selection this season. Her leadership helped the Blugolds to an impressive 28-13 record, continuing the proud tradition of UWEC softball.
But Lathrop's excellence doesn't stop at the diamond. On Wednesday, she was named the recipient of the prestigious 2026 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Softball Judy Kruckman Scholar-Athlete Award—a testament to her dedication as a true student-athlete.
"I knew I had been nominated and I was aware of the possibility," Lathrop said Thursday morning. "This conference is so competitive, athletically and academically, that I didn't know how it would turn out. It is really special to be recognized with this award. I am very honored to receive this. It means a lot."
With a 3.89 grade point average and a major in rehabilitation science, Lathrop has proven that hard work in the classroom pays off. She's set to graduate this Saturday, capping off a collegiate career defined by discipline and achievement. Her academic accolades include three-time All-America Scholar-Athlete honors, a spot on the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll every year, and consistent recognition on the UW-Eau Claire Dean's List with Academic Distinction each semester. She's also received an academic scholarship annually.
Head coach Leslie Huntington couldn't be prouder of what Lathrop has accomplished. "Any time one of our players receives the WIAC Judy Kruckman Scholar-Athlete Award it reinforces the overall value of, and commitment to, their educational experience at UW Eau Claire," Huntington said. "Not only did Paige have outstanding performances on the softball field, she took advantage of so many opportunities she had academically to really immerse herself into her experience. It's what I hope all our players do. As a coach, I'd take this honor and team wins over any other individual awards our student-athletes could receive."
On the field, Lathrop's resume is just as impressive. She earned a Rawlings Gold Glove in 2025, cementing her reputation as one of the nation's elite defensive players. Batting leadoff this spring, she posted a scorching .478 average, scored 53 runs, drove in 34 RBIs, and swiped 24 bases. A team captain as a senior, she was also named to the NFCA Player of the Year Watchlist in both 2025 and 2026.
Lathrop helped lead the Blugolds to the NCAA Division III tournament as a junior, and while this year's squad fell just short of a return trip, her impact on the program is undeniable. For athletes looking to elevate their game—both on the field and in life—Lathrop's story is a powerful reminder that true champions are built through balance, commitment, and heart.