The PWYA Scholarships are designed to aid students that have participated in the PWYA program, who chose to achieve a post-secondary education in college, trade school or a certification program. Our purpose for sponsoring the scholarships is to provide quality educational opportunities for students that benefitted from participating in PWYA activities. We believe that by supporting additional education and training, we are investing in the future of youth athletics. Today’s athletes are tomorrow’s coaches, umpires and volunteers. PWYA is thrilled to help athletes attain their career goals through 6 - $1000 PWYA Scholarships for 2022 to Kaden Thauer, Quinten Martin, Parker Prahl, Montana Zdroik, Shelby Lutz and Bailey Bader-Lucht. 

Kaden Thauer graduated from SPASH in 2022.  He will attend UW-LaCrosse to pursue a degree in Physical Therapy so he, “can help people enjoy life and the things they do, pain-free, for as long as possible.”  Kaden spent a lot of time at Woyak and participated in numerous PWYA for over 10 years, which included Tee-Ball, Baseball League & Travel, Fall Baseball, Flag Football and Umpiring.  Woyak Park has been a special place to Kaden from a very early age, “the parents, the fans, the smells, excitement and the kids/players.”  Kaden attributes PWYA to guiding him in his career path and the many tools it has given him to help succeed in life.

Quinton Martin is yet another 2022 graduate of SPASH.  He plans on majoring in Computer Engineering at UW-Madison.  Quinton played Tee-Ball, Baseball, Flag Football, and Refereed for a total of 8 years in PWYA.  As a kid, Quinton loved football but didn’t really enjoy tackle football.  PWYA provided him the ability to enjoy the game in the form of Flag Football.  He attributes his successes on the SPASH gridiron to all of his sports experiences at PWYA.  “Sportsmanship,” he says, “was perhaps one of the traits most heavily instilled into the athletes, and I believe this lesson goes much further than the game.”

Parker Prahl graduated from Iola-Scandinavia HS in 2022.  He’s been accepted to several UW schools and is still undecided on which one he will attend to study physical therapy, education or business.  Parker was active in PWYA for over 8 years.  He played Tee-Ball, Coach Pitch, Baseball, Umpiring and Concessions.  PWYA taught Parker baseball skills, how to be a good teammate, respect for his parents and family and how to maintain balance in his life.  Parker learned that being a positive role model is important, “people are always watching and your actions affect other people.”

Montana Zdroik is our 3rd 2022 SPASH graduate this year.  She will attend Lakeland University majoring in biochemistry and minoring in psychology, with the intention of attending medical school to be a pediatric oncologist.  She participated in PWYA for over 8 years in league and travel softball.    A cancer survivor herself, Montana intends to help other children battle against this terrible disease in way that PWYA coaches and teammates provided her, “they took my shattered spirit and glued it back together by helping me find my spark and energy.”  PWYA also taught her a sense of community and “showing others support and offering them a safe haven from all the worries of life.”

Shelby Lutz is a 2022 graduate from Amherst HS.  She will attend UW LaCrosse to pursue a career in exercise and sport science as a physical therapist.  Shelby spent a lot of time in physical therapy after dislocating her knees, and feels her experience will make a difference in the recoveries of others.  Shelby was active in PWYA for over 8 years, league and travel softball and concessions.  Shelby wants to use the skills she learned, to improve the lives of others, “PWYA has shaped me into the person I am today through integrity, responsibility and adaptability.”

Bailey Blader-Lucht graduated from Wautoma HS in 2022.  She will attend Marian University to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse.  Bailey played league and travel softball for over 5 years.  She attributes PWYA to impacting her life in many ways, one of which is through diversity and learning the value of others and their individual contributions to the team.  Patience and a relentless work ethic is another thing PWYA has taught me, “You have to earn your spot, wait your turn, work hard and be patient.  Benefits and improvements come from commitment and dedication.”