Kenni Czarnecki is in her third year competing for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s track and field team. Czarnecki finished eighth last year in the hammer throw in last year’s outdoor WIAC championships. Not only does she get it done throwing, but also in the classroom where she has been named to USTFCCCA All-Academic in 2021 as well as the WIAC scholastic honor roll. She even has an WIAC all sportsmanship team to go along with her success. 

How did you first get into throwing?

My dad actually threw in high school and college, and when I was in 8th grade. He was like maybe you should try throwing because it was in the springtime and I did not have a sport at that time. So I tried it and fell in love with it. And when I got into high school he coached me a lot and mentored me.

What has been your favorite memory so far at Whitewater?

Right now I only think of memories that are your personal records, how well how bad you do.I guess a core memory is relationships that I make with the team.Im really close with a lot of members on the team. And I feel like that is what I am going to remember 10 years from now. So I’d have to say relationships and family atmosphere.

What are some goals you set for yourself and how can you achieve them?

Some goals that I have are I really want to make nationals for outdoor, which is a really huge goal so hopefully I can get there. Another one that is more specific is I really want to throw about 50 in the hammer throw and I actually got hurt last season. I tore my meniscus and my first year doing track I didn’t make it all the way through because of sickness. So I also want to make it a full year without getting hurt.

What made you want to come to Whitewater?

I was debating between one other school and Whitewater in high school. And what drew me to Whitewater was the education program is really good. And when I did my tour with the track team I loved our coach and the throwers have like a family community here which is really hard to get in some sports. So ive really like the family atmosphere we have created here. 

Do you think Whitewater does a good job supporting female athletes?

No team is ever going to be perfect. Not every university is ever gonna be perfect and you can always strive to do more things and get better at this. But I would say yes because when you look at articles or anything talking about the track team it’s not just the men’s team we also see the women’s track team and when you see pictures posted it’s not only the men’s team it’s also the women’s team so that’s awesome. They do a really good job and on the throwing team we have these instruments and measurements. And  there’s no difference between the mens and womens its all equal.

What is your pre competition or post competition meal?

My pre competition meal since I sometimes have to get up early to either get there or have to get on the bus. I don’t feel like making breakfast so I go to McDonalds and get their breakfast. If I do wake up early enough to cook I make eggs, sausage and toast.

Be sure to go see Czarnecki and the Warhawks track and field team compete this season. Unsure of when they play? Click this link for the full schedule so you can make sure you can cheer them on.