On May 16, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse will say a bittersweet goodbye to the class of 2026. Among those soon-to-be graduates is Managing Editor of The Racquet Press, Paige Geiser, who will be graduating with a major in English, Writing and Rhetoric Emphasis and a minor in Criminal Justice.
Geiser’s road to UWL was far from linear. Growing up in West Bloomfield, Michigan she has been an avid athlete for as long as she can remember, excelling most notably in volleyball.
Determined to continue her athletic career at the collegiate level, Geiser toured more than twenty universities across the country in a pursuit to find one she could call home for the next four years. After little success, La Crosse was the final campus she visited.
“I hate to say ‘when you know you know’ but that was really the feeling that I had about UWL. It was the last place I thought I’d ever end up, but when I got here and toured the school it felt like home and I knew I wanted to be here,” said Geiser.
However, Geiser’s path to UWL wasn’t the only unexpected one. She initially planned to pursue a degree in the field of science, but everything changed after taking English 110 during her freshman year. The course allowed her to explore a new side of her creativity, which ultimately led to one of her pieces being selected to be read at the College Writing Symposium. This experience only further her interest in literacy and writing.
Although she was hesitant to declare a major in English at first, conversations with professors and advisers helped her realize she needed to commit to her passion.
“I think that UWL has really offered me a lot in the way of learning who I am. I mean I came here and thought I wanted to do something science related and I ended up being an English major. I couldn’t have done that without all of the professors and fellow students who helped me figure out that journey,” said Geiser.
Thanks to the relationships she’s made along the way, Geiser has made meaningful contributions to both the English Department and student journalism at UWL. Most recently, she was awarded the English Excellence Award.
Geiser began her career at The Racquet Press as a sports reporter, a role that felt like a natural fit given her athletic background.
“I really loved it [being a sports reporter]. I mean I’ve been doing sports my whole life, so I felt like I had a really good handle on what to expect. It was really cool to become more involved with the university in that way. I just felt so much more in tune with the La Crosse athletic community in a way that only being a part of the athletic department hadn’t allowed me to be before,” said Geiser.
While she enjoyed sports reporting, Geiser was ready to step into a leadership role. She found inspiration in a mentor at The Racquet Press, former Executive Editor Isabel Piarulli.
“She [Piarulli] taught me a lot. She did so many good things for the Racquet and stepping into the editor position I wanted to be able to do something as impactful as what she was able to accomplish,” said Geiser.
Along with her career as an editor and journalist, Geiser led an impressive athletic career with the UWL women’s volleyball team. During her third year on the team, she was one of the top offensive leaders with 168 kills, taking second behind her close teammate and friend, Gabby Johnson.
Throughout Geiser’s four years, there was a lot of transitions to adjust to due to a change in coaches. This left her in a very unique position.
“The [coach transition] really shook up the program because there was a whole new philosophy and culture that was being built,” said Geiser.
Despite these new obstacles Geiser took an optimistic approach to this challenging time and used it as an opportunity to hone her skills as a teammate and leader, later serving as team captain.
“I think that I was in a very unique position because I got to see where we were, the process of rebuilding and where we ended up which was really cool and probably one of the things I’m most proud of when I look back at my college experience.” Geiser continues in saying, “with volleyball I feel like I’ve really learned how to work in a team and how to be a supportive leader.”
During her time at UWL, Geiser earned numerous accolades, including the Mike Paidar Award, WIAC All‑Conference Sportsmanship Team, WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll (four years), Academic All‑District Team (two years), CSC Academic All‑District Team, and the AVCA Team Academic Award. She also served as the UWL volleyball team representative for the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.
This past summer Geiser worked as a Travel and Social Action Reporter, for Catalyst Planet based out of New York, New York. Her work helped to earn 4th place for 2025 Best Travel Website Editorial from Society of American Travel Writers (SATW).
One of her most recent editorial endeavors has been an internship through River Travel Media where she is working as the podcast producer for a podcast titled “Wisconsin Sober” where she plays a crucial role in their production of weekly episodes.
After graduation Geiser plans to pursue a career in journalism or editing, ideally something in the sports journalism realm.
As Geiser departs from The Racquet Press, she hopes the university paper continues to grow and expand its presence on campus.
“I want everyone to know about The Racquet,” Geiser said. “I want student orgs’ first thought when they’re having an event to be, ‘We should reach out to The Racquet and have them cover this.’”
