The Full Story about

shawn wochner

I was never the best bowler on the team, nor the smartest person in the room. But what I have always brought to teams I've either competed with or coached was an unmatched level of passion, commitment, and integrity. College bowling gave me so many wonderful memories that I wanted to try to provide similar opportunities and memories for the guys I've coached.

Competitor

I bowled collegiate at Western Illinois University. This was where my competitive side flourished. After struggling both as a team and as a student-athlete my freshman year, everything changed when a new coach was hired for my sophomore year. This coach understood how to lead, how to create genuine trust and respect, and how to motivate. During his first four years of coaching, he was able to lead the Leathernecks to three national championships. I was lucky enough to be a part of the 2001 national championship team! My college coach is who inspired me to want to give back and coach collegiately!

coaching

I got my starting in collegiate coaching at Robert Morris College. I served as an Assistant Coach for the men's and women's program for three years. It was then that I was asked to take on the role of Head Coach at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater.

I had the honor and privilege to serve as the Head Coach of the Warhawks for 12 seasons before retiring. Through the dedication, hard work, and commitment of the student-athletes who competed there, UW-Whitewater was put on the collegiate map as a perennial power house.

admissions and counseling

I worked for 16 years in Admissions for various colleges and universities. I worked in private for-profit colleges, a community college, as well as 12 years at my alma mater, Western Illinois University.

I am currently working as a College Counselor at Marian Central Catholic High School in Woodstock, IL. Through this work, I assist the students with their college and career exploration, application completion, FAFSA and award letter processes, as well as the final selection and committing process.

I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling as a Delegate Director. One important role I've undertaken was to serve three years as a Co-Chair for the Admission Practices Committee. This is the ethical standards committee for the state.

honors and recognitions

Everyone likes to brag on themselves a little bit, so below you will see a few of my individual (and team) accolades over the years:

1997 - YABA Youth Leader of the Year
1998 - Illinois State Star of Tomorrow
2001 - USBC ITC National Champion (Player)
2012 - Western Illinois University Hall of Fame (Individual)
2016 - Western Illinois University Hall of Fame (Team)
2016 - NCBCA Gordon Teigen Service Award
2014, 2017, 2021 - NCBCA Coach of the Year
2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 - Club Coach of the Year
2015, 2016 - Bowlers Journal 100 Top Coaches
2020 Greater Rock Island County USBC Hall of Fame
2022 USBC ITC National Champion (Coach)