Spartans of UD - Shea Reisel

Spartans of UD highlights what makes the University of Dubuque special - the people.

Shea Reisel, of Somonauk, Illinois, is a senior mass communication major who is a women's wrestling student-athlete for the University of Dubuque. Throughout her career at UD, Reisel is a two-time National Collegiate Women's Wrestling Championships national qualifier, with an All-American eighth place finish at the 2025 NCWWC. Recently, on January 24, Reisel became a conference champion for the first time in her career at 117lbs at the second annual American Rivers Conference Women's Wrestling Championships.

How did you get into wrestling?

"I started wrestling in fourth grade. Initially, I wanted to play football as all the boys in class were talking about 'fall ball.' My parents feared that I would be too little to play and get hurt. Wrestling has weight classes and they thought there'd be no problem with me trying the sport to see if I liked it. I get asked if I have brothers or friends that wrestled and the answer is no. I've always been a naturally gifted athlete but wrestling was difficult from the start. I think the reward of having to work hard at something and win all on my own, as opposed to team sports, was what really made me fall in love with the sport."

When you learned you were named conference champion for the first time in your career at 117 pounds at the second annual American Rivers Conference Women's Wrestling Championships, what was your reaction? How did you prepare for the championships?

"Walking into the second annual American Rivers Conference Women's Wrestling Championships after winning last year, one would think I would feel a lot of pressure. But actually, I felt quite the opposite. I knew that I would have to wrestle and win five matches to be named conference champion. Toeing the line one match at a time, I felt exhilarated. The opportunity to compete and do what I love with such passion was something that actually relaxed me. After winning my fifth and final match, I shook my coaches' hand and took a moment to reflect on the day, good and bad. I embraced my parents and teammates letting the win sink completely into my body. I prepared for the championships how I would for any other tournament. This includes training multiple times a day, nourishing and hydrating my body, and a lot of mental work."

Aside from being named conference champion, what are some of your favorite memories of your wrestling career at UD so far?

"Aside from winning the conference, some of my favorite memories at UD have been becoming an All-American, traveling with the team, and growing in this sport. Before college, I had never been on a girl's team. I have adored getting to grow in the sport with my teammates and coaches. My best memories of wrestling at UD are filled with early-morning and late-night practices, laughter, competing, and getting my hand raised at the end of it all."

What advice has a teammate given you that you have shared with others to pay it forward?

"Advice a teammate has given me that I have shared with others is, 'As long as you are doing your very best, that is all you can do. We weren't made to be perfect. Be patient with yourself, others, and keep giving your best.' This advice really changed my perspective on not only life but wrestling, too. I try to live by this every day. I know I will make mistakes but as long as I keep showing up, doing my best at every opportunity that approaches me, and being patient with myself and others, I know I will be okay."

In your opinion, what makes the University of Dubuque unique?

"In my opinion, the thing that makes University of Dubuque unique is the individuals who fill campus to make it feel like home. I don't just feel like a number at UD. I am greeted by name from professors and peers in my classes. I am constantly reminded how grateful I am to be in a city filled with so much community. I have been given opportunities on this campus that allowed me to strive as a student and an athlete. I especially feel that the wrestling program here at UD is unique, filled with coaches on both the men's and women's staff that care for, appreciate, and want success for their wrestlers. They want the best for us in life. I'm so grateful God placed me at the University of Dubuque."