Blue Devil Alumni Spotlight: Terri Tretsven-Mertz

Name: Terri Tretsven-Mertz
Major: Hotel & Restaurant Management
Graduated: 1992
Sports: Basketball and Track & Field
Years Played: 1989-1992
Hometown: St. Croix Falls, WI
Currently Resides: Hilbert, WI

A two-sports standout, Terri Tretsven excelled at basketball and track and field from 1989-92. Tretsven lettered three years in track, setting school records in the shot put and discus several times, records that have since been broken. She qualified to the national meet in the shot put in 1992, placing 11th. Tretsven currently has top 10 distances in the outdoor shot put, discus and javelin. Tretsven saw considerable time on the basketball court, and was a two-time honorable mention all-conference pick. Twenty years later, Tretsven still holds the school record for free throw percentage (.769) over her career and was a force under the boards, with three of her single season marks for rebounds still ranking in the top 25. Tretsven's top year off the boards was the 1990-91 season when she pulled down 270 rebounds, fourth on the single season list.

Why did you choose to be a collegiate student-athlete at UW-Stout?  
I grew up playing sports all through high school so I knew how to balance work, studies and sports.  I knew I would not be challenged enough being a student and working alone. Playing sports also pushed me to maintain good grades.

What did you like most about competing in collegiate athletics?
I enjoyed the competition of good athletes, the excitement of the travel and most of all the friendships that were built.

You were inducted into the UW-Stout Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002.  What did that mean to you? 
Being inducted into UW-Stout Athletic Hall of Fame is an honor and I am grateful to be selected to be among the great athletes of UW-Stout. 

How were you able to juggle your time playing two sports (basketball and track)? 
I focused on one sport at a time. When basketball was over, I started throwing outside for track. 

Who was the most influential person in your athletic career? 
Mr. Mark Thomas, UW-Stout head women's basketball coach.

What is the greatest lesson you learned from being a collegiate student-athlete? 
The lessons Coach Thomas would preach every day during practice have been carried through to my work and personal life even to this day.  Coach Thomas really made us think about what we were doing every day and what impact that will have on us throughout our lives.  He prepared us to be strong women and tackle anything that got in our way.

What is your most memorable or favorite sports moment at UW-Stout?
Being inducted into the UW-Stout Hall of Fame.

How did your teammates describe you as a person and a student-athlete? 
I think they would say I am a good hearted, hardworking, friendly, caring person who has the drive to succeed.  I supported my teammates and cared for each of them.

Are you in contact with any former Blue Devil student-athletes?:
Lisa Schultz-Dormady, Stacie Seehawer-Patchett, Nicole Zastrow-Natke, Jane Thomas-Bordgering, Denise Zahm-Ellis, Cathi Orgas-Sonneleiter,

Outside of athletics, what other activities were you involved in at UW-Stout? 
Phi U Tau Chapter & Student Athletic Training.

Give us a brief synopsis of your life since graduating from UW-Stout, include job and family. 
I am married to Mr. Gary Mertz, UW-Stout alumni and we have three great kids.  McKayla (11), Mason (10), Madison (6).  We live in the Hilbert, WI area and I work from home for IHG- InterContinental Hotels Group as a Regional Director of Revenue Services for the Americas.  Prior to joining IHG Corporate in 2004, I worked in Hotel & Restaurant Operations for Holiday Inn, Wyndham and Hyatt since 1992.