Krista Hasselquist

By Shawna Carpentier
UWRF Sports Information

For some people sports are what they do for fun, but for Krista Hasselquist sports aren’t just play.

The junior Falcon thrower says, “Sports are preparation for life; it’s a great way to challenge yourself and see how far you can go.”

Challenging herself to do something new Hasselquist decided to try track and field. That was seven years ago and since then, Hasselquist has earned numerous awards and gained recognition that only supreme athletes get to experience.

As a Chieftain, the former Osceola High School student was a successful three-season athlete competing in volleyball, basketball and track and field. As a five time Middle Boarder Conference champion, Hasselquist broke school and conference records in the shot put and discus. Hasselquist’s performance also helped her to earn the title of her team’s Most Valuable Player.  

“Going out and loving to throw and loving to learn how to throw,” is what Hasselquist remembers of her days competing as a Chieftain.

Although her success brought her many opportunities to continue her track and field career as a Div. I collegiate athlete, Hasselquist did not want to feel like she was being paid to play a sport. “I promised myself I would go for academics over athletics,” shares Hasselquist.

Adding to her decision to attend a small university was Hasselquist’s desire to be a stand out athlete. “Instead of being a little fish in a big pool [I would be] a big fish in a little pond,” explains Hasselquist.

Originally starting her collegiate career at Eau Claire, Hasselquist transferred to River Falls her sophomore year. The campus, coaches and the environment of the city and school is what attracted Hasselquist to River Falls.

Head Coach Martha Brennan says that Hasselquist’s transfer has been beneficial to the program. “Anytime you have an above average athlete it is good for the team,” says Brennan, “it brings everyone else up to another level.”

After receiving MVP honors last season, Hasselquist leads the Falcons as a captain during the 2007 indoor and outdoor seasons.

Named All-American for her fifth place finish in the shot put (44-8) at the NCAA Division III Indoor Championships earlier in the year, Hasselquist hopes to earn the title again this outdoor season.

Brennan believes Hasselquist’s goal is achievable. “The biggest thing for Krista is that she has really taken control of her overall fitness. To be a good thrower it’s not just about lifting and throwing.”

Hasselquist shares that performing at a level of an All-American thrower is not just about strength. She says that “kinetic awareness” and technique also play a role in a thrower’s ability to perform; “every foot and finger movement contributes,” explains Hasselquist.

 Beyond Hasselquist’s goals as an individual are her expectations for the Falcon track and field team. “I can’t tell you how excited I am for our outdoor team,” says Hasselquist, “I know we have the best team this program has ever had.”

With a team of talented athletes, Brennan looks for the women to do well in the conference. Brennan states that a third place finish in the conference would be a big accomplishment for the track and field program. “The WIAC is really competitive,” she says, “I hope the program continues to build.”

Hasselquist like any collegiate athlete is also a student, and her ability to balance her role as a student athlete contributes to her success on and off the field.

“[Sports] have taught me to work hard, how to balance time, organization and dedication,” replies Hasselquist. As a health and human performance major, Hasselquist is a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the Recreation Advisory Committee.

Hoping to take her passion for sports and her social skills into her career, Hasselquist plans to pursue a career as an athletic director or equipment manager for a Div. I school. Coming back as an alumna and working at River Falls is also one of Hasselquist’s goals she hopes to pursue in the future.

Until then, Hasselquist will continue to gain experience as the Falcon football team’s equipment manager. However, Hasselquist insists her job is more accurately described as being the team’s “mom.” 

Hasselquist’s motherly role is reflected through her ability to be caring and entertaining. “I can always tell a good story,” says Hasselquist, “[I will] put a smile on someone’s face even if it means I embarrass myself.”

Whenever she’s not in class, at an athletic event or sharing her positive attitude with others, Hasselquist enjoys spending her time participating in other hobbies. Bowling, movies, and spending time with her friends are among Hasselquist’s interests.

Hasselquist is the daughter of Don and Nancy and sister to Laura.