State Bank Financial Senior Spotlight

Siblings: Luke (22)

Position or events: Soccer- forward; track 800 meter run , 4x4, 4x8

Career highlight: 

Soccer- Playing at Marshfield high school in the sectional semi-final when it was foggy and beating Arcadia 4-1.

Track- Making it to state in the 4x8 relay with the odds stacked against us. 

At what age did you start playing your main sport?  

I started playing soccer at the age of 5.

Who introduced you to the sport? 

I was introduced to this sport by my parents when they signed me up for Parks and Rec, in Marshfield.

Has this always been your favorite sport? 

Yes, soccer has always been my favorite sport. From the time I was a little kid not having any clue what the rules of soccer were, to now being in my last season of High School soccer and having one last goal I would like to accomplish. 

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

Starting out my freshman year, I wasn’t the greatest at balancing both academics and athletics. At first, all I cared about was staying eligible enough to play sports. I didn’t have any determination to be the smartest kid in class by any means. My sophomore year I had a much greater interest in my academics so I started to manage my time more, which caused my grades to get better. Transitioning to my junior year, I had learned how to properly manage my time both on my academics and athletics and it turned out to be my best academic year yet. This year I will continue to keep managing my time for both academics and athletics because I have come to the realization that your education is one of the most important things that you will ever be given and you shouldn’t show up just to show up, you should show up to do your best. 

What is your favorite part about this sport? 

I’d say that my favorite part about soccer is getting the ability to build relationships with teammates that also have the same love for the sport that I do. There is no better feeling than going to the field late at night with a couple of teammates and just having fun playing soccer, whether that be taking PKs on each other or working on intense drills to improve your skills to help your team. Along with that, you can always work on things by yourself which is another reason I love this sport. Sometimes you just have to get away from things and clear your mind and trust me, nothing feels better than being in a field by yourself and just mastering your game. 

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

My coaches are the main reason I’ve stuck with soccer for so long. The motivation and support that they have given me throughout my entire career has caused me to always get better and never give up. 

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

I would say that my biggest asset on the field and on the track is my determination and perseverance to succeed. No matter what the odds are, I know I can overcome them. 

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

I think my most memorable experience was when we went to state for track and field. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience

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

It feels amazing, just knowing that you have done all you can do to make sure you have been the best athlete that you can be. 

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

I’d like to give a shout out to Ray Becker, earlier this season he suffered from a severe concussion, but now he is doing well. I’d also like to give a shout out to our goalie, Carter Summer. Without him, we wouldn’t be winning all these games. Lastly I’d like to give a shout out to all our coaches and other teammates for pushing each other to play to the best of our abilities. 

Any hobbies outside of sports?

I like to go on walks, watch the sunrise and sunset and fish. 

Favorite song? 

“Five More Minutes” by Scotty McCreery.

Future plans? 

I plan to continue my soccer career in college but so far I am undecided of where. So far, I’ve been thinking of UW-Stevens Point, UW-Stout, or St. Norbert.