Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Siblings: Natalie and Hadley Miller

Position or events: In track, I run the 400, 800, 1600, 4x400m relay and triple jump. In basketball, I am a guard.

Career highlight: Medaling at state eight times and breaking six school records so far throughout my high school cross country and track seasons.

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

I started playing basketball in third grade. I started running road races with my mom and sister when I was around eight years old, and started competing in cross country and track in middle school.

Who introduced you to your sport(s)?

My parents.

What is your favorite sport?

Track and Field.

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

During freshman and sophomore year I didn’t have many difficult classes so it was easy to balance academics and athletics. Once I started taking AP and college classes my junior and senior years, I had to set aside extra time to study and do homework. It was difficult to manage at first but now I have figured out a routine that works for me.

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 cross country and track is the team. Everyone is so close and supportive of one another, and it makes for a really fun and hard working atmosphere. Getting to train with the team each day and getting to accomplish great things with them by my side has been the most rewarding experience. I couldn’t imagine doing it without them!

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

A professional athlete I look up to is Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. She is an incredible track athlete and is also very humble and kind, which is something I admire about her.

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

My biggest asset in cross country and track is my ability to perform and be there for my team even when there is a lot of pressure. In basketball, I would say my biggest asset is my speed.

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

The most memorable experience in high school sports so far was going to state in cross country back-to-back with my team and my sister, Natalie. It was one thing to make it to state as an individual, but getting the opportunity to compete at the state level with both the team and Natalie by my side was a very special moment for me.

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 at my high school career, I am very proud of the progress I have made. I put in a lot of hard work and extra miles to get to where I am today, and it is rewarding to see how it has been paying off over the years. I have also developed a lot more confidence in myself which has helped me grow as both an athlete and person.

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

I eat the same meal for dinner, pasta and garlic bread, the night before every cross country and track meet. I also wear the same hairstyle for every race, a ponytail with two small braids in it.

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

Before meet days, I always make sure to stretch and roll out the night before, get plenty of sleep and drink a lot of water the day of.

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

My favorite part of being a senior this year is getting to have a leadership role on the team. I love sharing all my experiences with the younger girls, helping them through struggles they might be going through and doing everything I can to help them succeed.

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

I would like to give a shoutout to all the teammates I have had in all sports. I have had many fun memories with everyone! I am also grateful for all the coaches I have had and what they have done for me, but I would like to give a shoutout to Marlene Hall, my cross country and track coach. She has believed in me long before I believed in myself, I can talk to her about anything and she is always there to support me through everything going on in my life. I would also like to give a shout out to my mom, as she coaches me and helps me train during the off season. She always supports me and offers her advice when I need it. I would not be where I am today without her help.

Any hobbies outside of sports?

Outside of sports, I like to spend time with my family and friends, exercise, spend time outdoors, scrapbook and go shopping.

Favorite food?

My favorite food is any type of pasta.

Favorite movie/TV show?

My favorite TV show is “Friends.”

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

I plan to attend college and become a sports psychologist. I also plan on running track and cross country at the collegiate level.