Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Parent’s names: Jenny Bandow and Blair Bandow

Siblings: Drew Bandow

Position or events: Soccer positions: outside defender and center midfielder

Career highlight: In golf, shooting my personal record of 84 at regionals and taking first overall at regionals, and going to a playoff to make it to state and losing by a stroke.

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

I started playing soccer when I was 3 and I started playing golf when I was 6.

Who introduced you to your sport(s)?
My parents.

What is your favorite sport?
Soccer.

How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year?
It has definitely been more challenging as the years went on because as a freshman, I didn’t have a job and my classes were easier so it wasn’t as much to balance, but then when I got to my junior year I had AP classes, a youth apprentice job and sports to balance. Also during golf season I usually missed full days of school for golf meets so trying to get all of my homework done and being prepared for tests was harder, but I had a planner and I wrote everything down that I needed to do so I wouldn’t forget.

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 both my sports is the people. I have made lifelong friendships with the girls from my soccer and golf teams, they are what make the sport fun to play. I have stuck with soccer because it is something I have always loved to do and it is just a fun sport to play. I have stuck with golf because it is something that I can do for all of my life and it’s a sport that is relaxing and teaches me mental toughness and patience.

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

My biggest asset in soccer would be that I don’t let mistakes get to me, I continue to play and don’t let the mistakes dictate how I play. My biggest asset in golf would be my mental toughness and ability to stay focused.

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?
Winning our regional plaque this year for soccer.

How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)?
I’m really proud when I look back and see how much I’ve grown. I can see how much I’ve matured both as a person and as an athlete. I’ve become more confident, more disciplined and learned how to handle both successes and setbacks. As an athlete, I’ve improved my skills and understanding of the game, but I’ve also become a better teammate and leader.

Do you have any pre-game rituals/routines/superstitions?
Before every soccer game I pray and before every golf meet I give myself a little pep talk.
Do you take any extra steps to prepare for a big game or event, outside of regular training?
Both in soccer and golf I make sure I’m getting good sleep and hydrating on hot days and I always prepare myself mentally by visualizing myself playing and doing well but reminding myself to still have fun.

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

I’m looking forward to making the most of my last year and all of the senior traditions and making memories with my best friends.

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to give a shout out to?
My soccer coach, coach Blair (also my dad), he has always believed in me and taught me that hard work and resilience pay off. I’m really grateful for everything he has done for me.

Any hobbies outside of sports?
I like to paint and do any type of craft related activity, I like to read, and I love to travel.

Favorite food?
Pasta.

Favorite movie/TV show?
My favorite movie is “Dirty Dancing,” and my favorite TV show is “The Vampire Diaries.”

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

I plan to go to college to pursue a degree in Art Education. I don’t know which school yet though.