Built from the ground up: Schlenker’s story
November 08, 2017 | Men's Soccer
From solving complex equations to shutting down some of the nation’s top scorers, Wisconsin’s captain Isaac Schlenker is about as versatile as they come
MADISON, Wis. – As Wisconsin prepares for its biggest challenge of the season in Friday's matchup against No. 1-seeded Michigan, solitude can be found in its senior leadership. However, a quiet constitution has hidden one of Wisconsin's brightest gems: senior captain Isaac Schlenker. Behind his scintillating play and easy-going attitude, there's more to Schlenker's story that meets the eye.
Schlenker faced a huge transition in attending the University of Wisconsin. He moved from a small, private high school in Milwaukee, to one of the largest and most prestigious public universities in the world, just a short trip down I-94.
The change in landscape was not his only transition; Schlenker went from a state championship winning, box score-leading superstar, to a mere walk-on, fighting for a spot on the Wisconsin men's soccer team.
"I tried out in the spring of my freshman year. I knew I could get the try out so I got ready for it," Schlenker recalled. "There was a huge learning curve but by the end of the semester, I proved myself a member of the team."
Schlenker was the first to acknowledge the massive transition.
"I had to adjust to the level of play and the general athleticism of everyone else," Schlenker said. "I came from a club team and small high school, so playing with Division 1 athletes was a huge adjustment."
There were hardships in the change as well.
"It was definitely hard. You have to earn the respect of everyone and prove that you are good enough to be there," Schlenker remembered. "People kind of open up to you after that. It was pretty easy to make friends. That made the transition a whole lot easier."
Where finding friends off the field came easy for Schlenker, respect on the field was earned. It was through a break-through performance that Schlenker would get the kind of respect he always wanted. In his first exhibition game sophomore year against Marquette, a nervous Schlenker finally broke through.
"I actually scored a goal", Schlenker said with a laugh. "It was awesome."
Schlenker did not have time to rest in the small victory. In fact, he would face the most difficult transition in his time at Wisconsin: moving from forward to defender.
"It was definitely the hardest thing I've had to do since trying out for the team", Schlenker said. "I've been a forward my whole life… I didn't have the slightest clue about defensive technique or positioning."
But Schlenker skipped the learning curve, immediately finding a home in the backfield with the help of the coaching staff.
"Starting on the first day of preseason, our coaches made a huge effort to teach everyone proper defensive principles, no matter what position you played," Schlenker said. "I couldn't have made the transition without that."
The coaches noted the smooth transition and liked the fit.
"I guess the coaches noticed because I started playing right back for the spring games."
His knack as a defender wasn't the only thing recognized. It was more general, in that, the coaches realized just how versatile Schlenker could be. That versatility was on full display in this season's matchup with Indiana.
"I actually ended up playing five different positions in the Indiana game," Schlenker chuckled in a tone as certain as his positioning was not. "I played right back, left back, right mid, left mid, and forward. It was crazy."
Tough transitions and overcoming adversity might seem like a full plate to some, but to Schlenker, he still finds a way to add more. He studies Mathematics and holds an astounding 3.7 GPA.
"I took some insanely hard classes my junior year and I've never struggled more juggling school and athletics. But I ended up doing really well and finished up with a 3.7 GPA. I've always been on top of my school work."
To him though, it's easy: prioritize.
"I have my priorities and keep them straight. I don't waste a lot of time, I like being productive and doing things. If I'm not at practice or class, I'm probably studying unless we're traveling."
His attitude of personal responsibility and cool-confidence will be huge in leading the Badgers down their toughest stretch yet. Win and advance with a chance of making the dance. Lose? That isn't an option for the captain.
"We are confident that we'll do well in the Big Ten tournament and get a bid to the tournament," Schlenker said with distinct focus. "Once we get a chance, there's no stopping us. Once we get that shot, I think we're going to do something special because of our experience and the chemistry present on the team."
Looking forward to Friday's primetime match-up against No.1-seeded Michigan, the Badgers will turn to its upperclassmen for leadership, its coaches in the face of diversity, and its fans for inspiration. For Schlenker, leadership, versatility, and a hopeful sense of inspiration have stapled his captain-marked career. For him, Friday is just another game.
Schlenker faced a huge transition in attending the University of Wisconsin. He moved from a small, private high school in Milwaukee, to one of the largest and most prestigious public universities in the world, just a short trip down I-94.
The change in landscape was not his only transition; Schlenker went from a state championship winning, box score-leading superstar, to a mere walk-on, fighting for a spot on the Wisconsin men's soccer team.
"I tried out in the spring of my freshman year. I knew I could get the try out so I got ready for it," Schlenker recalled. "There was a huge learning curve but by the end of the semester, I proved myself a member of the team."
Schlenker was the first to acknowledge the massive transition.
"I had to adjust to the level of play and the general athleticism of everyone else," Schlenker said. "I came from a club team and small high school, so playing with Division 1 athletes was a huge adjustment."
There were hardships in the change as well.
"It was definitely hard. You have to earn the respect of everyone and prove that you are good enough to be there," Schlenker remembered. "People kind of open up to you after that. It was pretty easy to make friends. That made the transition a whole lot easier."
Where finding friends off the field came easy for Schlenker, respect on the field was earned. It was through a break-through performance that Schlenker would get the kind of respect he always wanted. In his first exhibition game sophomore year against Marquette, a nervous Schlenker finally broke through.
"I actually scored a goal", Schlenker said with a laugh. "It was awesome."
Schlenker did not have time to rest in the small victory. In fact, he would face the most difficult transition in his time at Wisconsin: moving from forward to defender.
"It was definitely the hardest thing I've had to do since trying out for the team", Schlenker said. "I've been a forward my whole life… I didn't have the slightest clue about defensive technique or positioning."
But Schlenker skipped the learning curve, immediately finding a home in the backfield with the help of the coaching staff.
"Starting on the first day of preseason, our coaches made a huge effort to teach everyone proper defensive principles, no matter what position you played," Schlenker said. "I couldn't have made the transition without that."
The coaches noted the smooth transition and liked the fit.
"I guess the coaches noticed because I started playing right back for the spring games."
His knack as a defender wasn't the only thing recognized. It was more general, in that, the coaches realized just how versatile Schlenker could be. That versatility was on full display in this season's matchup with Indiana.
"I actually ended up playing five different positions in the Indiana game," Schlenker chuckled in a tone as certain as his positioning was not. "I played right back, left back, right mid, left mid, and forward. It was crazy."
Tough transitions and overcoming adversity might seem like a full plate to some, but to Schlenker, he still finds a way to add more. He studies Mathematics and holds an astounding 3.7 GPA.
"I took some insanely hard classes my junior year and I've never struggled more juggling school and athletics. But I ended up doing really well and finished up with a 3.7 GPA. I've always been on top of my school work."
To him though, it's easy: prioritize.
"I have my priorities and keep them straight. I don't waste a lot of time, I like being productive and doing things. If I'm not at practice or class, I'm probably studying unless we're traveling."
His attitude of personal responsibility and cool-confidence will be huge in leading the Badgers down their toughest stretch yet. Win and advance with a chance of making the dance. Lose? That isn't an option for the captain.
"We are confident that we'll do well in the Big Ten tournament and get a bid to the tournament," Schlenker said with distinct focus. "Once we get a chance, there's no stopping us. Once we get that shot, I think we're going to do something special because of our experience and the chemistry present on the team."
Looking forward to Friday's primetime match-up against No.1-seeded Michigan, the Badgers will turn to its upperclassmen for leadership, its coaches in the face of diversity, and its fans for inspiration. For Schlenker, leadership, versatility, and a hopeful sense of inspiration have stapled his captain-marked career. For him, Friday is just another game.
Players Mentioned
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