Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Parents’ names: Jason DuChateau
Position or events: Distance runner
Career highlight: Placing 6th in the 3200m at track state, and winning sectionals in XC and Track (1600 and 3200).

At what age did you start playing your sport(s)?
I started running in 6th grade and I only actually did it consistently when I was in 8th grade.

Who introduced you to your sport(s)?
A friend convinced me to join cross country with her.

What is your favorite sport?
My favorite sport is running!

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

I have always strived for academic and athletic excellence. Every single year of high school I have taken as many AP and Dual Credit classes as I could possibly fit in my schedule. As if that wasn’t enough, as the years went on I also started to do YA as a CNA junior and senior year, while holding leadership roles in several clubs and running increasingly more mileage every year.

What is your favorite part about your sport(s)? What about it has caused you to stick with it for this long?
I love how supportive people are in running sports. It’s such an individual sport but it is so heartwarming to see people who all love running encourage each other and all strive for success as a team. I think the reason I stuck with the sport so long is evidently because the sport is rewarding and whatever you put into it you get out. There is no bias, no shortcuts, just hard work.

Is there a professional athlete you look up to? If so, who?
Pretty much every female distance runner loves this one, but I’d have to go with Parker Valby. I love the grit and strength she shows in her races. She races with confidence and trusts her consistency over her kick which I relate to and admire.

What would you say is your biggest asset on the court/field/track?
No one can ever say I didn’t try my best in a race. Even on an off day I strive for the 110% I can give that day. I will always want to succeed for team points.

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?
Setting the school record for the mile was a pretty memorable experience for me. It was pretty cool to hear that I broke that old of a record! I also just love my experiences at state because it is a privilege to race with girls who put as much into the sport as I do.

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

I feel proud of my growth as a person and an athlete. Throughout much of high school, I had a hard time giving myself grace and taking things too seriously, but now I’ve realized that sports are meant to be fun. Even if I had a bad race, a bad workout or a bad practice, I try not to beat myself up about it like I used to. I think that growth will set me up for a successful future because now I see adversity and setbacks as opportunities for learning.

Do you have any pre-game rituals/routines/superstitions?
I wear two different color socks to practice leading up to races. I have to drink a variety of beet juice. I need to have an energy drink and two water bottles on that day. I also eat pretty much the same thing and have the same exact warmup routine every time.

Do you take any extra steps to prepare for a big game or event, outside of regular training?
I drink tart cherry juice for muscle recovery, I also take epsom salt baths three days away from a race, and I try to start drinking A LOT of water.

What has been your favorite experience with being a senior this year?
I really liked the moments where I could be a leader and a good influence on my team. I hope that I can encourage my teammates to want to succeed in all aspects of their life. I think a lot of people in distance running sports have some good morals because they understand the value of hard work.

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to give a shout out to?
Shoutout to all my coaches these past few years. Thank you Coach Legrave, Coach Kinnard, Coach Annoye, Coach Peronto and Coach Seering, for always believing in my abilities!

Any hobbies outside of sports?

I love to play the drums! Besides that I cook, bake, lift, play guitar (when I find time), and I can crochet, knit and sew.

Favorite food?
My favorite food is curry. I love a good chicken curry with rice or naan, even though that’s kind of random.

Favorite movie/TV show?
My favorite movies and TV shows vary in genre so much, but I’d have to say the series “You,” and the movies “La La Land,” “Insidious,” and “Black Swan.”

Future plans? (college, major, career, etc.)
I hope to go to college and major in neuroscience or biochemistry. After I complete my undergrad I’d like to go to med school and hopefully go into anesthesia or dermatology.