Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Parents’ names: Jamie and Steve Witcpalek
Siblings: Brooke and Brex Witcpalek
Position or events: 300m hurdles, 4x400m relay, 4x800m relay
Instagram: @Braelyn_Witcpalek
Career Highlight: I made it to state for Cross Country and our team received the Academic All-State award for our GPAs. 

At what age did you start playing your main sport?
Twelve.

Who introduced you to the sport?
My friends.

Has this always been your favorite sport?

Yes, I love track. You compete as an individual and also as a team!

How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year?
When I was a freshman, it was more challenging to balance academics and athletics. It could be draining at times. I made sure to focus on school and prioritize my workload around practice and meets. I would try to make the best use of my time during the day so I wouldn’t have a lot of homework after practice. As a senior, I have the opportunity to work in the morning and class in the afternoon. So now I have to organize my schedule between work, school and sports. Even though the few classes I have are college courses, I don’t have as much homework as I did as a freshman. My mom has also been a huge help. I would not make it through life without her. Balancing athletics and academics can be challenging but thankfully whenever I was falling behind my mom was there to encourage me.

What is your favorite part about this sport?What about it has caused you to stick with it for this long?
My favorite part about this sport is the individuality of it. You have to work for what you want. It is a mental sport and I like that you have to work on yourself to succeed. I also love my team so much and without my team I wouldn’t love the sport as much.

Is there a professional athlete you look up to? If so, why?
Yes, Sydney Mclaughlin. She is an olympic 400m hurdler, to me she is inspiring.

What would you say is your biggest asset as an athlete?
My leadership.

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?

My most memorable experience was making it to State for cross country.

How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)?
I am proud of the personal growth I made throughout my high school years. I am also proud and sad looking back on my athletic growth because it took a lot for me to get where I am now. I am going to miss my sports and my team. I am happy for the memories I made.

Do you have any pre-meet rituals/routines/superstitions?
The night before my races I will always make spaghetti with meat sauce and garlic bread. The day of races I make sure to eat a lot of carbs and drink a lot of water throughout the day. An hour before my race I drink a liquid iv and eat a high protein carbohydrate.

Do you take any extra steps to prepare for a big match/game/meet, outside of regular practices?
I have attended track camps and worked with personal trainers on my off season. I make sure to take an ice bath or a hot bath to prepare my legs.

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to give a shout out to?
I would like to give a shout out to my coach, Marlene Hall. I do not know where I would be without her. She is an amazing coach and is always giving me tips on what I can do to be a better person and athlete. As a freshman I was nervous to run any race. Marlene was always there for me and had my back no matter what. If I was nervous she would calm my nerves, if I was in my head she would get me out of my head, if I got a knot in my leg she would get it out. It is nice to have a coach that genuinely cares about her team. I would not be as far as I am without her and I want to thank her for that. I am very thankful to have a coach like her, she makes me a better and stronger person.

Any hobbies outside of sports?

I like to spend time with my family and friends. I also like to go hunting with my family, and go up to my lake house.

Favorite song?
“One Last Breath” by Creed.

Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade or water?
Water and lime Gatorade.

Future Plans? (college, major, career, etc.)
I am attending college to earn my bachelor’s degree in radiologic science.