Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Parents’ names: Micole, Matt
Siblings: Parker, Rylee
Position or events: Ran cross country for three years, managerial position senior year; varsity 400m, long jump and high jump in track 10-12th grade
Snapchat: m_vanark07
Instagram: @m_vanark
Career Highlight: Jumping 5’ in high jump and making it to Sectionals for high jump junior and senior year.

How did you get started playing your sport?

I’ve loved running for as long as I remember. My mom told me about a sport called cross country where I first explored my running career. I started track my eighth grade year and I discovered high jump. I loved the event and it became the event that I excelled in the most throughout my career.

How has the balance between academics and athletics changed for you from freshman to senior year?

It was definitely a struggle my sophomore year when classes first started to get challenging. I had previously not had to worry about balancing anything because a lot of my classes didn’t have much homework. It was a struggle learning how to space out my work in a way where track meets wouldn’t interfere with the amount of homework I had. As I learned, the transition into senior year became much easier as I took the time to learn strategies to keep my workload not overwhelming.

What is your favorite part about this sport? What is the most challenging part about this sport?

My favorite part about track was definitely all of the memories I made with my teammates, whether it be with my high jump group, during meets or when we went out to eat after meets. The most challenging part of track for me was this year and struggling with knee and shin injuries. My injuries definitely set me back and bit which was very frustrating, but I was still able to pull out in the end and make it to sectionals.

Is there a professional athlete you look up to? If so, why?

Not a specific person, but I have always looked up to the USA Olympic track athletes. They all put in so much effort into their events and have such a deep passion for what they do.

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

The rides back from track meets where we had a big speaker and we just screamed all of the songs that came on will always be some of my favorite memories. Losing my voice the next day was worth it!

What types of courses have you run on and what is your favorite?

My favorite cross country race was always Michicot because it had smooth terrain and was a pretty run through the woods. My favorite track to run on was Chilton’s brand new track. It was very bouncy and I think it helped my jumps quite a bit!

Do you have a bucket list goal that pertains to your sport?

I want to watch track in the Olympics one year because I think that would be super cool to watch it on the professional level.

How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)?

Seeing my growth in my events, especially high jump, makes me feel very accomplished. I was able to meet most of my goals that I had set for myself freshmen year. I also like to believe that I have grown and changed as a person for the better during my time in sports.

Do you have any pre-meet rituals/routines/superstitions?

My last few meets I wore these grey taco socks and I’m convinced that they helped me jump higher.

Do you have a mantra/motivational quote/bible verse that helps you with your sport?

One mantra that I repeat to myself a lot is simply, “You can do this.” Even just a simple positive mantra like this can go a long way.

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to shout out?

I’d like to shout out Coach Seering, Coach Collin and Coach Menden for getting me to where I am today.

Any hobbies outside of sports?

I love to read, swim, shop and hang out with friends. I also love going out for coffee.

What is the top song on your workout/warmup playlist?

I actually don’t really listen to music while I workout...I just listen to whatever is playing on the speakers in the weight room

Future Plans? (college, major, career, etc.)

I will be attending UW-Eau Claire and majoring in nursing. I hope to one day become an ICU nurse.