Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Parents’ names: Brett and Sheri Schneider
Siblings: Landon Schneider
Position: Left field in softball, guard in basketball.
Career highlight: Winning regionals my freshman year, then going on to win regionals and conference my sophomore and junior year with my softball team.

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

I started playing softball when I was six years old, I started playing basketball in fourth grade and I joined cross country my junior year.

Who introduced you to your sport(s)?
My dad introduced me to both softball and basketball. My friends introduced me to cross country.

What is your favorite sport?
Softball.

How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year?
As a freshman, my workload was lighter which made the balance between school and sports pretty easy. As a senior, I am now enrolled in many college classes which has increased my workload and made the balancing of school and sports more difficult. This difficulty has forced me to learn how to manage my time better, stay organized and understand the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between academics and athletics.

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 my teammates. I’ve stuck with it for so long because of the strong bonds I have formed with them, the influence and support of my family and my love for the game.

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

I look up to Lindsay Vonn because of her determination and mental toughness, and because skiing is one of my hobbies.

What would you say is your biggest asset on the court?
I would say my biggest asset is not taking everything too seriously. I try to stay positive and enjoy the game.

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?
My most memorable moment in high school sports so far is winning conference.

How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)?
It is strange to look back at my previous self, as I feel so similar to her yet so different. I have grown in so many ways as a person and an athlete through the years. I’m proud to say that I have grown with great support from friends and family.

Do you have any pre-game rituals/routines/superstitions?
Before games, I listen to music and drink an energy drink to get in the right mindset.

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

Outside of regular training, I try to relax and keep myself mentally calm and focused.

What has been your favorite experience with being a senior this year?
My favorite part of being a senior this year has been hanging out with my friends and bonding with the underclassmen.

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to give a shout out to?
All of my coaches have been incredibly supportive and helpful throughout my life. I would especially like to shout out Abby Piesler, who has been coaching me since I was young and has been a huge support system for me.

Any hobbies outside of sports?
Hanging out with friends, listening to music, watching movies and skiing.

Favorite food?
My grandma’s fish fry from North Water Bakery and Deli.

Favorite movie/TV show?

“Back to the Future.”

Future plans? (college, major, career, etc.)
I plan to go to college and study history education.