Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Siblings:  Charlotte Bootz

Position or events: 

Softball: outfield, lead-off hitter

Instagram: viviannb05

Career Highlight:  Being First Team All-Conference Outfield in 2024 and 2025 and First Team All-District Outfield in 2025.

At what age did you start playing your sport(s)? 

I started softball at about four years old and started running long distance at seven years old.

Who introduced you to your sport(s)? 

My parents.

What is your favorite sport?  

Softball.

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

It hasn’t changed much. When planning out when to work on my schoolwork, I always have it in my mind that for those 2-3 hours after school I can focus on my sports.

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

I don’t really have a favorite part of softball. I love batting and fielding equally, I love my team, and I simply love to play. I couldn’t imagine quitting. My favorite part about cross country is the team. Even if the workouts are difficult, we stick together for all of them!

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

No, though I definitely look up to college softball athletes and love to watch them play.

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

My biggest assets in softball are my fielding, my speed, and my ability to switch-hit.

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

My most memorable experience was earning All-Conference Outfield for the first time, because I realized just how much I had improved in a year.

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

I feel so proud of how I was able to grow both my skills as an athlete and my general confidence both on and off the field. I’m more resilient than I used to be and feel more confident that I can handle challenges, setbacks, and mental blocks.

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

I always braid my hair the same way for softball. The few times I haven’t, I just didn’t feel as game-ready.

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

If I feel like I am struggling in a certain area in practice, I sometimes ask my dad to take me to the park to work specifically on that skill. He’s the best person to help me clear my mental blocks. 

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

My favorite experience so far was our team meal at our coach’s house the day before our conference cross country meet. We got handwritten notes from our non-senior members, and it brought my friends and I to tears. It was amazing to realize that even if I was nowhere near our fastest runner, I still was someone that our younger teammates could look up to.

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

I would like to thank Marlene Hall (cross country) and Ellie Olsen (softball) for taking the time to help me succeed. Both of them always make me feel like I can go to them for advice, whether it has to do with my sport or not.

Any hobbies outside of sports? 

I love reading, painting, playing ukulele, dance (ballet and jazz), writing, and spending time with family and friends.

Favorite food? 

Homemade lefse.

Random fun fact about you? 

I would love to someday publish a book.

Dream vacation destination?

Italy or Norway.

Favorite movie/TV show? 

Pirates of the Caribbean.

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

I hope to pursue psychology or anthropology.