03/06/2026
Check this out! WAICU recently highlighted Zach Shiels DC and how Wisconsin Lutheran College helped prepare him for his calling as a healthcare entrepreneur.
Zach Shiels '09 – From Hall of Fame Athlete to Healthcare Entrepreneur
Dr. Zach Shiels '09, inducted into Wisconsin Lutheran College's Hall of Fame in 2015 as one of the most decorated runners in men's cross country, has channeled his athletic experience into building a thriving business. As owner and sports chiropractor at Elite Sport & Spine in Waukesha, Zach helps active people work through injuries, build strength, and increase resilience through sports chiropractic, physical therapy, and personal training.
His entrepreneurial journey in sports medicine began young, as he said, “I first became interested as a high school athlete working through injuries of my own.” Zach wanted to be able to help others recover from those disappointments as quickly as possible or avoid them altogether.
Zach was drawn to Wisconsin Lutheran College because “of the unapologetically Christian atmosphere.” He added, “My faith is very important to me, so having a place where the faculty and staff encouraged my faith journey was a top priority."
At WLC, Zach was a biology major with a Pre-Medicine emphasis. "Studying Pre-Med at WLC offered me a rigorous foundation in the sciences, with small class sizes that allowed for close relationships with professors and personalized mentorship. The biology faculty did an incredible job of incorporating research experience and hands-on work." After graduation, Zach attended the Palmer College of Chiropractic.
Outside of the classroom, he competed on the cross country and track teams. Those connections from collegiate athletics remain strong. “I met my wife on the team, which has been the greatest blessing in my life. Some of my best friends to this day are my former teammates, and Coach Steve Travis was an incredible example of Christian servant leadership in my life."
Today, Zach finds deep fulfillment in both patient care and business leadership. "I love being able to help people recover from an injury, give them tools to stay healthy, and help them chase their goals. I also love leading my team! Helping them succeed and grow in their careers is such a joy."
