UW-Eau Claire athletics marketing coordinator receives courage award

EAU CLAIRE— Clare Hohman had held many titles over her four decades with UW-Eau Claire athletics: athlete, statistician, team mom and marketing coordinator just to name a few, and as of this fall she can add 2024 recipient of the Sandy Schumacher Courage Award to that list.

The award, named for the long-time Blugold coach, teacher and women’s sports pioneer, is awarded to a female Blugold student-athlete or alum who displayed perseverance, dedication and determination in the face of a life altering event, according to the official website of Blugold athletics.

Hohman first stepped onto campus in 1984 as a student-athlete playing both basketball and softball. It was then she met Sandy Schumacher who coached the women’s basketball team at the time. After graduating, Hohman remained with the athletic department, filling a variety of roles, and continuing to work with Schumacher.

During this time, Hohman learned more of Schumacher’s crucial role in establishing women’s sports at the university and her admiration of her former coach only grew.

“She was instrumental in giving women opportunities to play,” Hohman said. “I had tremendous respect for her and felt incredibly grateful to her.”

Schumacher battled cancer for over two decades. Through it all, she never let cancer stop her, according to Hohmann. Schumacher remained involved in the Blugold athletic program until her death in 2012.

When Hohman was diagnosed with uterine and ovarian cancer in 2020, she found herself drawing strength from her memories of Schumacher.

“When I was going through my cancer battle, I thought of her often and how brave she was and it inspired me to want to fight like she did,” Hohman said. “So to be recognized and associated with her name is quite an honor.”

Due to the pandemic, Hohman had to go through many of her treatments alone. Nevertheless she braved surgery, chemo and radiation, displaying unwavering strength and remaining committed to Blugold athletics.

Hohman is extremely grateful to her friends, family and the Blugold athletic community who she said found ways to support her even when they couldn’t be with her physically. The courage Hohman showed throughout her battle with cancer led volleyball coach Kim Wudi to nominate her for this award.

“To have my name on a plaque with Sandy’s face on there too is very humbling because I watched her battle cancer for 20 years and she never let it stop her,” Hohman said.

Hohman is now four years cancer free. She is thankful to be a part of Blugold athletics and plans to spend every day “loving God and loving others.”