Over the years the University of Wisconsin has made it a habit of welcoming in sports commencement speakers. Stars with ties to the school like Pat Richter, Russell Wilson and J.J. Watt have been athlete keynote speakers for graduation in the past.
Now, the latest Badgers alum to address the Class of 2020 will be international soccer star Rose Lavelle. December 13th is the big day where Lavelle will speak and over 2,000 degrees will be awarded virtually.
Lavelle is a 2017 graduate of UW and was a four-year starter for the Badgers on the pitch. She was a two-time Big Ten Midfielder of the Year and former first-team All-American.
She is excited to have this opportunity to be next in a long line of Wisconsin sports commencements speakers and pay it forward for all the positives she got out of college.
“I’m excited to speak with the graduates at UW, all of whom are working to achieve some important goals.” said Lavelle in a release. “ Madison has always been a second home for me. The opportunity to give back to the school that gave so much to me is just a tremendous honor."
Since her time in Madison, Lavelle has become one of the most recognizable female athletes in the U.S. and a breakout star for the women's national soccer team. Her emergence came during the 2019 World Cup, when she assisted team USA's win with three goals in six games on the way to winning the Bronze Boot.
Lavelle has 45 appearances all told so far in international play. She capped off 2019 by being ranked the sixth-best player in the world at The Best FIFA Football Awards and earning a spot on FIFA FIFPro World XI.
On the club side, Lavelle also plays overseas for Manchester City. She recently helped the team win the Women's League Cup and the Women's FA Cup.
If you are interested in booking sports commencement speakers, athlete keynote speakers, or Rose Lavelle for any type of event, contact the agents at Athlete Speakers by calling us at 800-916-6008 or by Starting Your Booking Request Now.
Rose Lavelle Interview with Soccer.com:
