Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Parent’s names: Jeff and Mary Derrig
Siblings: Kyrsten and Tavia Derrig
Position: Volleyball – Middle blocker and opposite hitter, track and field – Shot put and discus
Career highlight: Qualifying to compete at regionals during my first year in track and field.

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

I started playing volleyball competitively in eighth grade and participated in volleyball camps when I was younger. I joined track and field my junior year of high school.

Who introduced you to your sport(s)?

My parents introduced me to volleyball and my friends introduced me to track and field.

What is your favorite sport?

Volleyball.

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

It has become more challenging from my freshman to senior year. As a freshman, my classes were less demanding and required less time outside of school, making it easier to balance school and sports. Now, as a senior, I take multiple college and AP courses while also balancing sports, extracurriculars, work, scholarships, community involvement and my social life. These responsibilities have strengthened my time-management skills and sense of responsibility.

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 sport is the camaraderie of the team and how everyone supports and wants to see each other succeed.

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

My biggest asset on the court is being able to empathize with my teammates and see things from their perspective, which helps the team stay focused and work together.

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

My most memorable experience in high school sports so far is being able to experience playing a sport for the first and last time with my sister.

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

It feels very gratifying to look back and see how much I’ve grown in confidence, both as a person and as an athlete, throughout my high school years.

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

I usually listen to music on my way to games or meets.

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

I do a lot of stretching and lifting outside of my practices and games.
What has been your favorite experience with being a senior this year?

My favorite experience as a senior this year has been being someone who knows what’s going on and being able to serve as a leader and role model for the underclassmen.

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

I’d like to give a shout out to Lexi Gaedtke, she coached me for a majority of my volleyball career and really lit a fire in me through my confidence and overall growth as an athlete and individual.

Any hobbies outside of sports?

I enjoy taking dance classes, going to concerts, listening to music, reading, working out, paddle boarding, going to the beach and spending time with friends and family.

Favorite food?

Vanilla ice cream.

Favorite movie/TV show?

“Miracle Season.”

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

I will be attending UW-La Crosse and majoring in exercise and sport science with an emphasis in kinesiology.