Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Siblings: Mercedes and Blake Kroll

Position or events: For volleyball I’m an all-around outside hitter and for basketball I’m a point guard.

Career Highlight: My junior year of high school, I broke the single game scoring record, 39 points, along with hitting my thousandth career point.

At what age did you start playing volleyball?

I started playing volleyball in the seventh grade.

Who introduced you to volleyball?

My sister introduced me to the sport. I grew up watching her play and have always wanted to play since.

What is your favorite sport?

Basketball.

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

Academically I did not struggle much, however once I started taking AP and college courses, I realized I had to focus more due to limited time having to study.

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

My favorite part about my sports is being able to share those memories with my best friends and making tons of new friendships along the way.

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

There is not.

What would you say is your biggest asset on the court?

I would say that my biggest asset on the court is my ability to stay calm under pressure in order to make smart decisions, even when the game gets intense.

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

My most memorable experience in high school was winning conference my sophomore year and going to Applebee’s for half apps as a team. It was a wild night!

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

As a senior looking back, it feels pretty wild to see how much I’ve grown, both as a person and an athlete. There are definitely moments I’m super proud of and others I can laugh about now.

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

I do not.

Do you take any extra steps to prepare for a big game outside of regular training?

Before a big game, I always try to make sure that I get a good night’s sleep and have my mom make one of her healthy breakfasts in the morning.

What has been your favorite experience with being a senior this year?

My favorite part of being a senior is being able to experience all the “last” moments with my best friends.

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

I would love to give a shout out to all of my teammates I’ve had along the way, whether it was volleyball, basketball or AAU basketball. You guys are the best! For coaches, I’d like to give a shout out to all of my school coaches and especially to my AAU coach, Harry Boyce.

Any hobbies outside of sports?

Outside of sports, I love hanging out with family and friends, especially my sister, and going up north to spend time on the lake.

Favorite food?

My moms homemade spaghetti

Favorite movie/TV show?

Criminal Minds

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

For my future, I plan to go to college to become a Criminal Psychologist.