Gabrielle ’25, Michaela ’25 and Brett ’28 Haensgen chose MSOE for their own individual interests, but the three siblings have followed in their family’s footsteps as both their parents Victoria and Glenn as well as numerous other relatives are MSOE alumni. They share MSOE in common with their extended family, but also share as siblings the bond of competing for the Raiders in division three athletics. 

“MSOE has a really great athletics culture built on support through coaches, trainers, teammates and even our fans,” said Gabrielle. “You just know everyone wants to see you succeed in athletics and academics. This culture is what really drew me to continue athletics.”

Gabrielle and Michaela are both members of the women’s tennis team while younger brother Brett is part of the men’s swimming and diving team which is in its second-ever season.

“Being part of the growth of a new program has been a great experience and the rest of the swim team, new and returning, has made it that much better,” said Brett. “I hope to continue to draw in more swimmers with the success that we have seen this year and continue to make the swim team a more essential part of the unique MSOE culture.”

As athletes at MSOE, the Haensgens juggle the demand of their rigorous academics on top of their practices, meets and other commitments on campus. They have found that the support of their professors and coaches has helped them navigate the experience as student-athletes while the benefit of a smaller school has made it possible for them to not miss out on other experiences as college students.

“I have been in a variety of leadership roles over the years in different professional student organizations and have the amazing experience of being a college athlete and getting to pursue my music and acting interests,” said Michaela. “An MSOE degree allows me to be competitive as well as provides me with opportunities to explore all of my other interests. You just don’t get that at a bigger school.”

“MSOE does a really great job of advocating for their athletes to make accommodations regarding missing classes, but ultimately, they understand that academics come first,” said Gabrielle. “There are tons of resources on campus to get help if you need it like RCAS (Raider Center for Academic Success) and the professors are very helpful.”

Both Gabrielle and Michaela will graduate this spring, Gabrielle with a degree in actuarial science and Michaela with a degree in chemical and biomolecular engineering. Gabrielle has already secured a job as an actuarial analyst for Milliman in their CMH Health Practice and Michaela will be heading to graduate school to pursue a Ph.D. Brett is in his first year at MSOE and is a computer engineering major.

The Haensgens are originally from Germantown, Wisconsin (north of Milwaukee) which has meant that in addition to seeing each other on campus and at meets, their parents have also been able to join in that support at their athletic competitions.