Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Parents’ names: Nichole and Josh Krause
Siblings: Rex Krause
Position or events: Shooting guard and catcher
Instagram: @nora.krause611

Career Highlight: Hitting two home runs in one night.

At what age did you start playing your sport?
Fourth grade.

Who introduced you to the sport?
I would say my parents have always pushed me to play sports when I was younger. I started off playing soccer very young and moved over to basketball and softball once I got older.

Has this always been your favorite sport?
Softball has always been my favorite, I like the environment and my team. I have had lots of achievements throughout my career.

How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year?
My freshman year was the easiest for me, I didn’t have hard classes so it was easier to balance. Now that I am in my senior year, I have harder classes. It has been challenging at times but I always find time out of sports to study.

What is your favorite part about your sport? What about it has caused you to stick with it for this long?

I have always liked how softball is mostly an individual sport. This allows me to focus on things that I need to improve on. The joy of being successful and having a successful team has always brought me back.

Is there a professional athlete you look up to? If so, who?
When I was younger, I always looked up to Wilson Contreras when he played for the Chicago Cubs. This year, I really like watching Pete Crow-Armstrong.

What would you say is your biggest asset on the field/court?
I would say my biggest asset on the field would be my hitting. I started gaining hitting strength my sophomore year and learned so much from then.

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?
Playing in the Sectional Finals my sophomore year in softball. I had so much fun with the team and just getting as far as we did. Even though we didn’t win, seeing the community come to support us was really cool.

How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)?
I grew a lot during my high school years. My growth in sports and school has always amazed me.

Do you have any pre-match/game rituals/routines/superstitions?

In basketball, I like to drink a cup of Gatorade my coach makes during pregame.

Do you take any extra steps to prepare for a big match/game/meet, outside of regular training?
Before big conference games, I like to just laugh with my teammates. It takes the nerves down and makes me more calm and locked in.

What has been your favorite experience with being a senior this year?
Having it be my last year pushes me more to succeed. I want my last year to be memorable.

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to give a shout out to?
I want to give a shoutout to all of my high school basketball coaches: Zug, Vonnie, Jenna and Baleigh. Peter and Jer for my middle school basketball career. For softball I want to thank Ashley, Lyndsay, Zug and Abby. I also want to thank Terri Dart for always giving me advice for catching and hitting.

Any hobbies outside of sports?
I enjoy hunting and just being outdoors.

Favorite song?

“Springsteen” by Eric Church.

Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade or water?
Water.

Future Plans? (college, major, career, etc.)
I plan on majoring in business administration at UW-Green Bay.