True Blu: Clare Hohman

Hohman has advanced UW-Eau Claire athletics as a student athlete, an administrative assistant coach, and for the last 14 years, as Blugold Athletics’ marketing and promotions director, creating memorable gameday moments for fans of all ages.

She is a “campus mom” for interns and a trustworthy friend to anyone who needs a hug or a private conversation. Hohman greets everyone with a smile, always has a story to share and never misses an opportunity to make someone feel special.

“Once you’re a Blugold, you’re part of that family forever,” Hohman says. “I love it.”

An old love and a new passion

Originally from Virginia, Hohman moved to Edina, Minnesota, while in high school. She visited numerous Midwest colleges and universities with friends but quickly realized UW-Eau Claire was going to be her path forward.

That path did not include athletics – at first. Hohman had dreamed of playing women’s college basketball at the University of Notre Dame when she was young but suffered from stress fractures in her feet and Achilles tendon issues. She tried out for the Blugolds, where she faced more pain, and decided her career was over.

Then spring came, and Hohman’s determination to play in the dirt landed her a spot on UW-Eau Claire’s first varsity softball roster.

“It was no longer a club sport,” says Hohman, who played shortstop. “That was pretty fun.”

Hohman only played one season so she could prioritize her studies. As a senior, though, her love of basketball brought Hohman back into the gym once more. This time, she not only made the roster, but went on to earn honorable mention all-conference recognition.

“Our team had a good season, and my game really developed in college,” Hohman says with a laugh.

Volleyball was not an option for Hohman to play growing up in Virginia, but she was fascinated watching the game in college. Through a connection with head volleyball coach Lisa Herb, whom she met through basketball, Hohman began keeping volleyball statistics during her final semester as a college student in 1988.

“I just loved it. Being part of the team, that team atmosphere, so I stayed doing stats, being an administrative assistant, helping with camps,” says Hohman, who pivoted from plans to serve as a youth minister after graduation to serve the volleyball program from 1988-2007. “Incredible women have come through our volleyball program. That’s been very meaningful in my life.”

When Hohman was diagnosed with ovarian and uterine cancer in 2020, those women “smothered” her with love, prayers, bracelets, flowers and other gifts.

“When you’re going to fight a battle like that, who do you want surrounding you? Athletes, teammates, people who know how to fight through adversity and win,” Hohman says. “The love from family, friends, teammates, was unbelievable. Sports brought us together, and love kept us close all these years.”

Hohman worked with Sandy Schumacher — the iconic Blugold coach, teacher and pioneer who battled cancer for two decades before passing away — and received the Sandy Schumacher Courage Award for her own battle in 2024. She remains close with Herb and the current head volleyball coach of the Blugolds, Kim Wudi. Former players are like sisters to her.

Hohman nannied Wudi’s two children, calling it her “favorite job of all time,” and loves to laugh with them to this day. She makes Wudi pumpkin bars on her birthday each year and loves spending time with the kids.

One of her fondest memories with Wudi came at UW-Eau Claire’s McPhee Center after the Blugolds won the NCAA Division III national championship in St. Louis in 2021.

“When they pulled into town, she got off the bus and jumped into my arms and we sobbed. It was kind of this full circle moment of 'look where we started and where we are now,'” Hohman says.

“I wish everybody could have a Clare in their life and in their program,” Wudi says.

Bringing out people’s best

Jason Verdugo, director of athletics, is admittedly a bit of an introvert, so dressing in silly scarfs and hats in public could only happen with Hohman.

For the last three years, the athletics department has included a raffle in its holiday party. Each time, Verdugo and Hohman have handed out real gift certificates and made-up prizes involving UW-Eau Claire coaches.

“She’ll put on a hat, I’ll put on a scarf and try to make it funny,” Verdugo says. “One of my favorite moments in my professional career is that 20 minutes, as silly as that may be, but I get to do that with her.”

On a more serious note, Verdugo values Hohman’s enthusiasm, commitment to lasting relationships and historical context to help him guide UW-Eau Claire through an ever-changing landscape of college athletics. He draws on Hohman’s past experiences in her various roles and from her ability to create positive interactions for fans at events or while interacting with Blugolds.

“Being around her makes me proud to work here,” says Verdugo, who is in his fourth year as director of athletics.

Leslie Huntington, head softball coach, and Robin Baker, associate athletic director, senior woman administrator and head of business affairs, have worked at the university and been close friends of Hohman’s for 26 years. They admire their colleague’s unmatched work ethic and authentic personality.

“You’ll never hear her say that’s not my job. Never,” Huntington says. “She wants so much what’s best not just for the athletic department but what’s best for the university.”

“She’s got everyone’s birthdays written on a big calendar,” Baker says. “She’s the welcoming, bringing people together type of person, which is a huge piece of who I believe Blugold athletics is.”

As campus changes, the value of athletics does not

Hohman believes that athletics is a blessing and being part of a team to represent your university is a privilege. She enjoys the journey of watching students develop into standout athletes and Blugold teams blossom into national championship-winning programs.

Some of her closest friendships today were created while she wore blue and gold on the basketball court. So, while she’s happy the facilities and resources provided for Blugold athletes have improved, with The Sonnentag a notable example, Hohman is excited that the lifelong benefits from connecting with teammates remain the same.

“If you’re locked in and you’re available and you want to be close to your teammates and have that support, you’ve got it,” Hohman says. “If you connect, you’re going to be connected for life.”