Stevens Point’s academic community gathers in quiet reflection over the sudden passing of Ethan Engel, a dedicated Data Analytics major at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point whose analytical mind and quiet determination promised a bright future in sports analytics.
On November 26, 2025, at age 19, Ethan’s life ended unexpectedly, leaving professors, peers, and family to honor the focused learner who excelled in the College of Professional Studies. His legacy as a motivated scholar endures amid the university’s supportive halls.
Ethan’s journey began in Chetek, Wisconsin, where rural landscapes and high school classrooms sparked his fascination with data’s power to uncover patterns. Graduating from Chetek-Weyerhaeuser High School, he earned a Sterling Bank scholarship recognizing his potential, channeling that early drive into UWSP’s rigorous program.
At UWSP, Ethan immersed himself in Data Analytics coursework, earning a spot on the Spring 2025 College of Professional Studies Dean’s List with a GPA above 3.75 for his standout performance. He balanced lectures on statistics and programming with hands-on projects that applied data to real-world challenges, embodying the university’s emphasis on practical innovation.
Ethan’s aspiration in sports analytics reflected his passion for merging numbers with athletic strategy, envisioning a career where data could optimize team performance and fan engagement. He explored electives in predictive modeling, drawing from Wisconsin’s sports heritage to analyze game trends and player metrics.
Family formed the steady foundation of Ethan’s world, with parents and siblings offering unwavering encouragement from Chetek to Stevens Point’s campus. He cherished weekend drives home for home-cooked meals and shared discussions on his latest data discoveries, strengthening bonds through his thoughtful presence.
Though Ethan’s time at UWSP was heartbreakingly brief, his legacy of curiosity and focus inspires the Pointers to pursue analytics with purpose and precision. The university extends counseling resources to support grieving students, while tributes highlight his enduring impact.
Memorial services are forthcoming through campus channels, inviting all to celebrate the extraordinary young scholar whose insights live on in data’s endless possibilities.