Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Parents’ names: Scott and Nicole Meverden
Siblings: Jack and Emiline Meverden
Position or events: High jump, 100m hurdles, 300m hurdles, 4x400m relay, 400m and 200m

At what age did you start playing your main sport?

I started doing track in eighth grade.

Who introduced you to the sport?

My coach and teachers.

Has this always been your favorite sport?

I’ve always liked track, but I’ve switched events a lot since I started. Some of them have stayed consistent, but I like having the ability to choose from so many different things.

What aspects of your sport do you value the most?

I really just love being on the team. I think it’s amazing how much some of my teammates have stepped up and taken care of each other, especially this year. I’ve been part of teams in the past who support each other during practice or games, but act like they don’t care outside of that. I’ve seen multiple people on my team this year helping out any teammates who were struggling with things outside of the sport. Things like that make me so happy because I know I’m on a team where people genuinely care about each other and want everyone to do well both in and out of sports.

In your opinion, what is the best part about being on a team?

I appreciate the team having the mutual understanding that we all need to be there for each other. I can see it in our track team as a whole, but I also see it in the individual event groups and relay teams. Everyone is there for each other when they need help, and I’m really thankful for that.

How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year?

My grades were never impacted by participating in sports, but there were still some days when I was overwhelmed with all of the things I needed to get done. I was involved in a lot more extracurriculars my freshman through junior year, but senior year I tried to step back from some things which helped me focus more on schoolwork.

What is the most challenging aspect of your sport that most people don’t realize?

I feel like a lot of people look at running and think it’s mostly a physical thing, but so much of it is mental. There are times when your brain is screaming at you to stop, and a big part of the sport is being able to overcome that.

How do you deal with the pressure of a big game?

Most of the time I felt the most pressure when I had to run the 4x400m, but our relay team had a lot of little things we always did to get ourselves in a better mindset. Some meets we would all get together before the race and sing songs, and sometimes we put grass in our spikes for good luck, but we always made sure to do something as a team before we ran.

If you could instantly master any other sport, which would you choose and why?

It would probably be volleyball. I loved volleyball when I played it my freshman year, but there were a few different reasons I decided not to do it anymore. I ended up switching to cross country my sophomore year, but I think if I were better at volleyball I would probably go back to that.

Outside of sports, how do you enjoy spending your free time?

I spend most of my time outside of sports doing musicals and dance. I’ve always been into the arts, so things like that are really important to me.

What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Probably the out west trip. Our school does a class trip out west for the incoming senior class and I got to be part of it last summer.

What is one thing you’ve always wanted to try, but have never gotten the chance to yet?

I’ve always wanted to try writing and publishing my own music, but I’ve never actually recorded anything.

What is one song in your playlist that gets you pumped up before a game?

“Break Free” - Ariana Grande.

Favorite game day beverage?

I just drink a lot of water so I don’t get dehydrated.

What is something you’re excited to experience after high school (sports or in general)?

I won’t be participating in sports in college, but I’m excited to be able to watch other athletes playing at the college level.

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

I’m going to UW-Green Bay for art education to be an art teacher.