State Bank Financial Senior Spotlight

Parents’ names: DeAnna and Chad Rasmussen, Brady and Allie Laufenberg

Siblings: Karsyn (4), Nora (10), Tripp (11)

Position or events: Basketball- point guard or small forward, Track- short distance and high jump

Career highlight: Golf- Shooting a career best (89) at my last 18 hole meet in Colfax and shooting a (79) in a scramble with Lexxi placing second in my first meet of senior year. Basketball- Winning the regional semi-final game against Holmen my junior year (67-65). 

At what age did you start playing your main sport?  

Basketball- third grade

Who introduced you to the sport? 

Golf- Family; Basketball- Parents through Tiger Hoops

Has this always been your favorite sport? 

Yes, basketball has always been my favorite sport. However, when I joined golf my sophomore year that question became harder. Today, it's impossible to choose as both are my favorite sports. 

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

Balancing academics and athletics has been a struggle for my past few years of high school. As I take many AP, dual credit, and Honors classes it leads to a large  workload and an increase in the time I spend doing schoolwork. Throughout the years I have learned how to balance my time between school and sports, and be successful in both. Thankfully, the teachers are very helpful, as they understand the time and dedication sports take. 

What is your favorite part about this sport? 

My favorite part about golf is the mental toughness that you gain throughout the years because in order to succeed in golf that trait becomes a necessity. As well as the van rides home from meets. 

My favorite part about basketball is the teamwork involved in order to succeed and the memorable moments the team has together.

What about it has caused you to stick with it for this long? 

My parents, teammates, and coaches have always supported me throughout my sports journey, and have helped me continuously decide to stick with all 3 sports throughout the years.

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

My biggest asset on the course, court, and track is my leadership and positive mindset. In all three sports, my positivity and my leadership traits help not only myself succeed but also my team.

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

My most memorable experience in golf was getting to compete in sectionals my sophomore year. In basketball my most memorable moment is the night of light up the field house, which was the double header against Spash. As well as all the fun summer league nights and the UTC camp at UWSP.

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

It feels crazy that I'm already a senior, time has flown by so fast. I have learned so much and grown to be the person and athlete I am over the past three years.  

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

I’d like to say thank you to Coach Konrardy, Coach Michaels, and Coach Luedtke for developing me into the person and athlete I am today. As well as all my teammates in golf and basketball as they have pushed me to be the best version of myself on and off of the course/court. I will always cherish the memories and time spent with my teammates and coaches. A family bond was truly built with both teams. 

Any hobbies outside of sports? 

I enjoy traveling, spending time with my family, AAU basketball, volunteering, and hanging out with friends.

Favorite song? 

“Stay” by Rihanna

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

Attend a four year college (undecided where) and pursue a degree in business: finance