Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Parents’ names: Dan and Rani Stangel
Siblings: Daniel, Natalie and Thomas
Position or events: I’m the libero for volleyball and in basketball I play point guard. In track I do long jump and short relays.
Snapchat: gstangel20
Career Highlight: Beating Valders in the regional championship last year.

At what age did you start playing your sport(s)?
I’ve been playing basketball since I learned how to dribble a ball, but I started competitively playing basketball in third grade. I started playing volleyball when I was around 12.

Who introduced you to your sport(s)?
My older siblings introduced me to sports. We would always be playing them outside.

What is your favorite sport?

I really enjoy playing volleyball, but I have always had a love for basketball that makes it my favorite.

How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year?
I’ve definitely gotten better at managing my time since my freshman year, but it’s never really been a struggle at all.

What is your favorite part about your sport(s)? What about it has caused you to stick with it for this long?
I love the intensity of basketball along with the competitiveness. The physicality of playing your rival team, or the feeling of playing a big game in front of a packed gym. It really doesn’t get better than that.

What would you say is your biggest asset on the court?
I would say my competitiveness. I hate losing.

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?
My most memorable experience has been every playoff season for basketball. Our team really comes together and that’s when we work the hardest. It’s special to watch us all work together toward a common goal and put in time and effort, and then be able to accomplish it. It’s also when we spend the most time together, whether it’s team meals, getting breakfast together the morning of a game or getting lunch after a saturday morning practice. I love every memory with my teammates.

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

I usually like to go home and eat a good meal.

Do you take any extra steps to prepare for a big game, outside of regular training?
Me and my teammates watch a lot of film, especially in Spanish class.

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to give a shout out to?
I’d like to give a shoutout to all of my senior teammates, who are also my best friends. Being able to play with them for the past 10 years has been a huge blessing, and they have become my family on and off the court. I love you guys!

Any hobbies outside of sports?
Just spending time with my family and going out with friends. In the winter I also like to snowboard, and this past summer me and my friends went golfing a lot.

Favorite food?
Sushi and mac and cheese.

Random fun fact about you?

I’ve never broken a bone or gotten stitches before.

Favorite movie/TV show?
Hangover 3.