The Rise of Rachel Illgen

MADISON, Wis. -- Rachel Illgen spent over 15 years in the water swimming competitively for her club and high school teams.

After a decade and a half in the water, the Brookfield native finds herself spending her college years racing on the water, rather than in it, as one of Wisconsin's leaders on the lightweight crew, a rise few, even herself, ever anticipated.

"I became pretty burnt out from swimming during my high school years, so rather than swim through college, I thought that I could do something else," Illgen said. "I think I saw a chalk advertisement on the ground near the boathouse during welcome week my freshmen year and decided to check it out."

Despite being completely new to the sport, Illgen's desire for team and competition drew her to take a risk and try out to become a walk-on.

I googled what "rowing" was before I attended the info session because I had no idea what it was," Illgen said. "I still wanted to be on a team, athletic and in a competitive environment and rowing seemed to fit all of those things."

Illgen's hopeful desire to continue her athletic career through rowing morphed from a unique opportunity into a decision that has greatly benefited the Badgers. The walk-on has taken the women's rowing program and the collegiate rowing world by storm. A senior, Illgen has emerged as one of Wisconsin's and the country's top competitors.

Illgen had a busy summer on the water, winning two golds against global competition at the prestigious Canadian Henley in August. When not out competing nationally, the senior spent her summer break in Philadelphia, living with incoming freshman teammate Claire Friedlander, and training with some of the best athletes from across the United States at the Vesper Boat Club.

"Being able to work with each other throughout the summer has just better prepared us coming into the fall," Illgen said. "While in Philly, I also worked at a veterinary clinic (general practice and urgent care) between practices. We rowed around 5-6 hours a day and then I worked around 30-35 hours a week."

Illgen's dedication and work ethic towards rowing, the team and her animal science major are efforts that are not lost on Badgers Varsity Lightweight Coach Dusty Mattison.

"She has come a really long way as a leader during her time at UW and is just an amazing teammate to everyone within our program," Mattison said.

The two-time Academic All-Big Ten student (2018, 2019) lives life by believing in never taking any moment or opportunity for granted and making the best out of her time at Wisconsin.

"I am just so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful athletic and academic environment at Madison that it is impossible to take anything for granted," Illgen said. "To give nothing less than your best to your task at hand and those around you is just a wasted opportunity."

Illgen's next challenge following graduation will be applying to UW's prestigious School of Veterinary Medicine later this year.

"For as long as I can remember, I enjoyed being around, learning about and helping animals," Illgen said. "Madison has an incredible animal science program, so it's motivated my decision to continue it in my career post-grad."

Illgen's dedication and tenacity has provided the former walk-on with four years of successes and opportunities she never envisioned occurring when she first walked on campus as a freshman.

Expected or not, Illgen's thankful for her time as a Badger and a blessing she knows didn't happen by chance.

"I mean it's pretty strange that I was led to a sport that I hardly knew existed, have continued it for my college career and have found the most incredible people and passion for the sport along the way," Illgen said. "In my opinion, that does not happen by chance and I am so happy I can try my best represent His greatness through my sport and to my teammates. God in sport is a powerful thing and allows me to compete freely."

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