Division 1
Hannah Beilke, Stevens Point Area High School – 3.83 GPA
Varsity Letters Earned by Grade
Cross Country – 9, 10, 11, 12
Hockey – 9, 10, 11 ,12
Track & Field – 9, 10, 11
Individual Sports Achievement
Track & Field – Conference Champion – 10, 11
Team WIAA Success
Cross Country: Conference Champion – 11
Sectional Champion - 11, 12
Times Named to All-Conference First Team
Hockey – 1
Cross Country – 2
Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP
Cross Country – 3
Hockey – 3
Track & Field – 3
Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities
Student Senate – 2
National Honor Society – 2
Community Partners – 2
Essay
Sports have always played a major role in my life. My competitiveness in sports transfers to all other areas of my life where I strive to be successful. I have learned to push myself beyond limits, look for the little things that make me better and most of all appreciate the meaning of the word team. Teams can be a group working on a science project or a youth group coming home from a mission trip feeling accomplished. I love the feeling of success but nothing compares to a team celebrating a win that comes after a hard fought battle. Knowing that feeling makes me look to the future and the teams I plan to be a part of. I am very excited to have the opportunity to run both cross country and track at UW-LaCrosse next year. I dream of the feeling of team success at another level. I also look forward to being on a team in my future profession. I hope to help people in some capacity either medically or in education. I see many paths in these two professional areas where people get to work in teams and together they make positive impacts on the lives of many people. I appreciate all of the coaches that have pushed me out of my comfort zone because now I am not afraid to push myself when it matter most.
Morgan Marnholtz, Merrill High School – 4.00 GPA
Varsity Letters Earned by Grade
Volleyball – 10, 11, 12
Basketball – 11, 12
Track & Field – 9, 10, 11
Individual Sports Achievement
Track & Field: Conference Champion – 10, 11
Regional Champion – 10, 11
Team WIAA Success
Volleyball: Conference Champion – 10, 12
Regional Champion – 10, 11, 12
Sectional Champion – 10, 12
Basketball: Regional Champion – 11
Times Named to All-Conference First Team
Volleyball – 1
Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP
Track & Field – 2
Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities
National Honor Society – 2 (President)
Octagon Club – 3 (Treasurer)
Link Crew – 1
Fellowship of Christ – 1
Civic & Community Activities
Special Olympics Volunteer: 9, 10, 11, intend to do 12; Tutor: 10, 11, 12; Big Brothers Big Sisters: 11, 12; Bowl For Kids' Sake: 11, 12; Playing piano at Bell Tower Residence for Christmas: 9, 10, 11, 12; Make a Difference Day: 11, 12; Youth Volleyball Camp Volunteer: 10, 11, 12; Youth Basketball Camp Volunteer: 10, 11, 12; Merrill Public Library Volunteer: 9, 10; Merrill High School Library Volunteer: 10; Highway Clean-up: 10, 12; 5th Grade Graduation Celebration Volunteer: 10; Delivered Christmas presents to needy families: 11; Lions Club Duck Race Fundraiser Volunteer: 11, 12; Vacation Bible School Volunteer: 11; Piano instruction from a private teacher: 9, 10, 11, 12; Wisconsin Music Teachers Association Auditions: 9, 10, 11, 12; Trinity Lutheran Church Youth Group: 9, 10, 11; Church Volunteer Script Seller: 11, 12;
Essay
Athletic participation has granted a multitude of experiences that have helped me grow in character as well as in strength, in relationships as well as in individuality. First, sports have developed my character by teaching me the value of dedication, hard work, and a positive attitude. Through all my days of volleyball, basketball, and track, I have discovered that being an athlete is far greater than what is witnessed on the court; rather, it has been a commitment of hard work every day in practice and pushing both body and mind past my comfort zones. While late school nights and studying on the team bus can be challenging, I have learned the important lessons of versatility, accountability, and time management that will equip me to tackle vigorous classes in college. In addition, athletic participation has enhanced my interpersonal skills. Being of a shy nature, I know I would not have formed the lasting relationships that I have with my teammates, coaches, and other athletes without the help of sports' prodding nudge. My involvement in sports has also helped me develop confidence and become a leader both on and off the court. Athletic participation has been so enjoyable throughout my life that I know it will always be something I will partake in, starting with collegiate track and field. I look forward to the new things I will learn, the new relationships I will develop, and the continued health benefits I will gain from sports in the future.
Maddie McCue, Milton High School – 4.0 GPA
Varsity Letters Earned by Grade
Golf – 9, 10 ,11, 12
Gymnastics – 9, 10, 11
Softball – 9, 10, 11
Individual Sports Achievement
Golf Regional Champion – 10
Golf Sectional Champion – 11
Team WIAA Success
Golf Regional Champion – 9, 10, 12
Golf Sectional Champion – 9, 10, 12
Times Named to All-Conference First Team
Golf – 1
Softball – 3
Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP
Golf – 1
Softball – 2
Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities
Student Government – 4 (Secretary)
Student Council – 4
Show Choir – 4
History Club – 4
Spanish Tutor – 2
Civic & Community Activities
St. Mary Milton Youth Ministry K-11; Volunteer at Milton Food Pantry; Volunteer at Milton Area Youth Center; Volunteer at American Red Cross Blood Drives; Volunteer at Milton Historical Society; Volunteer at Milton; Youth Golf Camp Volunteer at Pregnancy Hotline; Volunteer at Milton Area Chamber of Commerce; Awarded plaque for individual to raise most amount of funds at MHS for Polar Plunge Special Olympics 2014; Three-year member of the National Honor Society; Three-year member of the Spanish National Honor Society.
Essay
When I was 4 years old, I got my first Ping Moxie golf set and also joined the Milton Youth T-Ball League. I started swinging and never turned back. I suppose if I would have stuck to one sport, I might have excelled more in that sport, but I am happy my parents allowed me to explore all different sports. I learned that the most successful teams had girls who worked hard, communicated, respected each other, were intelligent, and funny. I also learned that if you put a team together with the best talent, a "dream team", if they are not managed well, it will lead to negative attitudes, big egos, and losses. I believe my experience in sports has helped me develop the skills I need to succeed in the working world. I will have bosses who, much like my coaches, have different philosophies, different coaching styles, and different goals. My experience in sports has taught me to respect others, work with people of diverse backgrounds, be prepared, stay healthy, manage my time, and make difficult decisions for the good of the team and not selfish ones. I absolutely love to win, but I have learned from my losses. I have learned to compose myself, to cheer for my opponent, and believe in myself. I have learned that winning isn't everything, but trying my best IS everything. That is how I approach my life.
Ari Opsahl, DeForest High School – 3.85 GPA
Varsity Letters Earned by Grade
Volleyball – 10, 11, 12
Basketball – 9, 10, 11 ,12
Softball –11
Team WIAA Success
Volleyball: Conference Champion – 10, 12
Regional Champion – 9, 11, 12
Sectional Champion – 12
Basketball: Conference Champion – 11, 12
Regional Champion – 11
Sectional Champion – 11
Softball: Conference Champion – 11
Times Named to All-Conference First Team
Volleyball – 2
Basketball – 2
Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP
Basketball – 2
Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities
National Honor Society – 2
Civic & Community Activities
Hunt for the Hungry Advocate; DeForest Park & Recreation Department – Coach, Mentor, Volunteer
Essay
Throughout my high school career I have been very successful. From my sports career to my school work, I have found I can achieve extreme goals with hard work. It doesn't only take hard work, but precision, discipline and mental toughness are also needed. These are some of the qualities that people often overlook in me. Being a leader of both the 2014 DeForest Volleyball State qualifying team and the 2014 DeForest Basketball State Runner-up team, I have learned some of the greatest life lessons. Finding such a passion and desire for sports has allowed me to me to believe in striving for my dreams. These dreams include attending UW-Madison and becoming a pre-med student. Gaining discipline and mental toughness from sports has helped my passion to strive for my ultimate dreams. I believe these attributes of mine are just the key to making me be the most successful person that I can be in the future.
Girls Division 2
Meredith Gallagher, Lodi High School – 3.99 GPA
Varsity Letters Earned by Grade
Cross Country – 11, 12
Basketball – 9, 10, 11, 12
Track & Field – 9, 10, 11
Individual Sports Achievement
Track & Field: Conference Champions – 9, 10, 11
Regional Champion – 9, 10, 11
Team WIAA Success
Basketball: Conference Champion – 10
Regional Champion – 10
Sectional Champion – 10
Cross Country: Conference Champion – 11
Times Named to All-Conference First Team
Cross Country – 2
Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP
Cross Country – 1
Track & Field – 1
Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities
Leadership Council – 4
Student Government – 1 (President)
Foreign Exchange Program – 2
School Paper – 2
Math Team – 1
Civic & Community Activities
Leader of Lodi's Project Unify sports league (through Special Olympics) -Special Olympics events volunteer -Special Olympics office volunteer -Volunteer for Millenium soccer (program on Saturday mornings meant to bring "affordable and accessible organized youth soccer to Madison's low income/ethnically diverse neighborhoods" created by Tom Kuehne) -Volunteer/donor at school blood drives
Essay
Sometime throughout my years of playing basketball I acquired the acronym, WIN: Work hard-Integrity-No excuses. I quickly experienced these words popping into my head and guiding me in many situations outside the basketball court. WIN has lead me to go to the gym when no one’s watching, but also seek extra help with a challenging math concept. I now bite my tongue instead of share an excuse when I fail to do something my parents asked. I’ve learned that only when I give every workout, every homework assignment, every task my very best, can I be satisfied because I didn’t hold anything back or miss a chance for improvement. Athletics have made me experience the correlating truth between hard work, dedication, and success. However, some of the most valuable sports lessons involved interpersonal conflict. My experience with teammates has taught me that face-to-face communication is the best way to sort out an issue. From my running experience I learned to strive not only be the best, but to be my best. I foresee this gained knowledge helping me tremendously throughout college and my future career. Athletics has also opened a door to some very rewarding and impactful volunteer work that I otherwise wouldn't have gotten involved in. Exposure to kids with special needs through my service with Special Olympics has opened my mind and given me respect for all people. I’ve become thankful for my health and dexterity, and been motivated to make the most out of my own abilities.
Julia Kaster, Clinton High School – 4.0 GPA
Varsity Letters Earned by Grade
Cross Country – 9, 10, 11, 12
Track & Field – 9, 10, 11
Individual Sports Achievement
Cross Country: Conference Champion – 9, 10, 11, 12
Track & Field: Conference Champion – 9, 10, 11
Regional Champion – 9
Times Named to All-Conference First Team
Cross Country – 4
Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP
Cross Country – 4
Track & Field – 1
Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities
National Honor Society – 2 (President)
Green Team – 1
FCA – 4
Key Club – 4 (Vice President)
Spanish Club – 1
Art Club – 1
Viking Youth Track Club – 2
Student Council – 4 (Secretary)
Civic & Community Activities
Beloit Blessing Blankets * Clinton Outreach Food Pantry * Counselor at Rock River Christian Camp *Bags of Hope (Christmas - Bags of Food for Needy) * Volunteer at Project Hope - Central Christian Church * Clinton Vacation Bible School * Reading and Math Tutor for Elementary School Students * Booster Club Concession Stands * Salvation Army bell ringing * Kidzworks church nursery
Essay
It was the never-ending minute before the gun sounded to kick off my last cross country race. I was prepared, focused, and motivated to achieve my highest place out of all my other performances at state. When I stepped onto that starting line as a senior, I was ready, more than any year before but not just for the race; I was ready for my future. Without participating in high school athletics, I would not be the person I am today. Track and cross country have taught me critical life skills that have shaped the person I am. I desired to better myself every day at practice and in every meet, which required goal setting. However, a goal alone was not sufficient; it needed to be accompanied with hard work and motivation. Running is unique because the runner alone is responsible for his or her performance; I knew that I needed to stay committed and determined if I wanted to achieve my goals. These sports also improved my time management skills, because as a team leader, I had to give it my all at practice, at home, and in the community. Running commanded my time and energy because there was no area in my life that I could wane. It was all worth it though, and I know that in my future, I can do anything I set my mind to, either in my career, education, relationships, or health, as long as I prepare properly and stay self-motivated.
Sarah Schumacher, Whitewater High School – 4.0 GPA
Varsity Letters Earned by Grade
Swimming & Diving – 9 ,10
Volleyball – 11, 12
Basketball – 9, 10, 11, 12
Softball – 10
Individual Sports Achievement
Swimming & Diving Conference Champion – 10
Team WIAA Success
Basketball: Conference Champion – 9, 11, 12
Regional Champion – 9, 11, 12
Sectional Champion – 12
State Champion – 12
Times Named to All-Conference First Team
Basketball – 2
Conference Player of the Year – 1
1st Team All State – 1
Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP
Basketball – 1
Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities
Spanish Club – 4 (Treasurer)
Student Council – 3
National Honor Society – 2
Key Club – 1
Lead Dogs – 1
Civic & Community Activities
Pancake breakfast volunteer (Key Club)
Essay
Since my early childhood, athletics have helped shape me as a person and prepare me for a successful future. I have learned many valuable life skills and lessons, including time management, a strong work ethic, and dedication to individual and team goals. Through participation on the Swim Team, I learned that people are capable of much more than they initially believe. It taught me that if you really want something, the only person that can make it happen is you. This mindset is something that has spread to all aspects of my life, and I know it will be valuable to me during college and my future career. Participation in team sports has taught me how to work together on a team and to set aside individual differences for the common goal of the team. I have learned how to be a leader, not only vocally but by example. I have learned the importance of respecting everyone, regardless of disagreements or personal opinions. Lastly, succeeding in athletics took hard work and determination, which will help me succeed in the future.
Taylor Stanek, Dodgeville High School – 3.97 GPA
Varsity Letters Earned by Grade
Volleyball – 9, 10, 11, 12
Basketball – 9, 10, 11, 12
Track & Field – 9, 10, 11
Individual Sports Achievement
Track & Field: Conference Champion – 9, 10, 11
Regional Champion – 9, 10, 11
Team WIAA Success
Basketball: Conference Champion – 11, 12
Regional Champion – 12
Times Named to All-Conference First Team
Basketball – 3
Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP
Volleyball – 2
Basketball – 3
Track & Field – 1
Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities
National Honor Society – 3 (Historian)
Badger Girls State – 1
DECA – 4
Key Club – 4
Student Council – 2
Math Team – 4
International Student – 2
Band – 1
Wisconsin Covenant – 4
Civic & Community Activities
Community service is an important thing for us as students to be involved in and is a great way to give back to the community because it provides us with such wonderful opportunities to grow and excel. I spend a lot of my time helping out the youth programs in basketball and volleyball camps. I enjoy spending time with the kids and teaching them not only sports skills, but different ways to communicate and express themselves and use those skills the rest of their lives. In addition to these programs, I volunteer my time at the nursing home, Lands' End Make A Wish Programs, Salvation Army Bell Ringing, Feed My Starving Children, reading to children at the schools and public library, helping at fish fries and other church events, and going down to the elementary school to tutor kids. I have also been involved in multiple fundraisers for National Honor Society and sports programs to be able to give money to local charities in need.
Essay
I started my athletic career as a gymnast at a very young age. Through triumphs and defeats, I learned that true success is not just handed to me as it requires countless hours of training and devotion. When I was seven I was a state champion in gymnastics and competed at the national level. This required a huge time commitment and taking chances to see where my talents would take me. Life is all about taking chances because you never know what could be if you don’t try something. This mentality has driven my teenage years in high school sports as I participate in volleyball, basketball, and track, as well as academics. The same concept applies to my future, because if I never expose myself to experience new opportunities, I will never reach my full potential. My hard work and dedication has allowed me to become the state high jump champion, as well as earning other countless awards in all three sports. Anything is possible with hard work, practice, and determination to be the best that I can be. Communication and team work are also very important keys to success. A team needs to be able to communicate with each other to know how to work together as one unit. I will take these skills with me in the future and apply them to my career. Sports are about more than just winning and losing. There are valuable lessons that I will implement now and beyond my high school years.
Girls Division 3
Chloe Wanink, Cameron High School – 4.0 GPA
Varsity Letters Earned by Grade
Volleyball – 9, 10, 11, 12
Basketball – 9, 10, 11, 12
Track & Field – 9, 10
Individual Sports Achievement
Track & Field: Conference Champion – 9
Regional Champion – 9, 10
Sectional Champion – 9
Team WIAA Success
Basketball: Conference Champion – 9, 10, 11, 12
Regional Champion – 10, 11, 12
Volleyball: Conference Champion – 9, 11, 12
Regional Champion – 10, 11, 12
Sectional Champion – 12
Times Named to All-Conference First Team
Basketball – 4
Volleyball – 3
Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP
Basketball – 4
Volleyball – 2
Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities
National Honor Society – 2
Future Business Leaders – 3
Student Council – 4
Civic & Community Activities
Spirit of Christmas- Shopped, wrapped, and delivered presents to families in need during Christmas time Bible Camp- Helped out with Bible Camp at St. Peter’s Church. AAU Basketball- Competed from the summer after fifth grade to the summer after my junior year (seven summers) Feed My Starving Children- During my freshman and senior year I helped package meals for children in need. Community Service Day- Cleaned up Highway 8 my freshman and sophomore years Pancake/Spaghetti Feed- Helped make and serve pancake and spaghetti meals for St. Peter’s church Benjamin House- Made a meal for the Benjamin House, a homeless shelter in Rice Lake, WI Barron County Fair- Sold tickets at the Barron County Fair as a freshman and sophomore
Essay
I have been competing in athletics for as long as I can remember, but basketball has always been my greatest passion. I can truly say that competing in basketball has helped shape me into the person I have become today. Basketball has taught me many life qualities that will help me both on and off the court for the rest of my life. I have learned dedication, self-confidence, time management, discipline, competitiveness, the importance of teamwork, and most importantly—leadership. These qualities will stay with me throughout my life, and will help me be successful in the future, as an adult pursuing my career as a physical therapist. Being a student athlete has also taught me that you can achieve any goal, as long as you believe it can happen. I found this to be true when I accomplished my dream of having the opportunity to play collegiate basketball at the Division 1 level, while also maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Basketball has also taught me how to deal with disappointment. In life I know I will not succeed in everything I do, and playing basketball has taught me how to deal with success, but also failure. It doesn’t matter that you failed, what matters is what you make of it and how you come back from that failure. Playing basketball has also created many friendships with my teammates and coaches that will last a lifetime. Without these qualities or friendships, my life wouldn’t be where it is today.
Shay Lierman, Cuba City High School – 4.0 GPA
Varsity Letters Earned by Grade
Volleyball – 10, 11, 12
Basketball – 9, 10, 11, 12
Track & Field – 9, 10, 11
Individual Sports Achievement
Track & Field: Conference Champion – 9, 10, 11
Regional Champion – 10, 11
Sectional Champion – 10, 11
State Champion – 10, 11
Team WIAA Success
Volleyball: Conference Champion – 10, 11, 12
Regional Champion – 10, 11, 12
Sectional Champion – 10
Basketball: Conference Champion – 9, 10, 11, 12
Regional Champion – 9, 10, 11, 12
Sectional Champion – 10, 11, 12
State Champion – 11, 12
Times Named to All-Conference First Team
Basketball – 2
Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities
Student Council – 4
FFA – 4
Spanish Club – 2
National Honor Society – 2
Badger Girls State – 1
Civic & Community Activities
Member of Dunbarton 4-H Club of Shullsburg, WI • Vacation Bible School at CUMC in Shullsburg, WI • Lil’ Wizards Basketball • Freshman Orientation • Kept book at SWBL tournament • 4-H Children’s Ornament Making Night • Cuba City Basketball Camp • Cuba City Junior High Volleyball Camp • Floral Hall at the Lafayette County Fair • Junior High Track Meet • Graduation • Scholarship Night • 4-H Food Stand • Sunday School at CUMC in Shullsburg, WI • Tutored children at Parkside Elementary School
Essay
The Impact of Athletics in My Life Athletics has taught me perseverance, determination, and a work ethic to be successful. They have made a huge impact in my life and made me into the motivated individual I am today. It is a valuable skill to be able to set tangible goals and then achieve them. Goal setting is a large part of athletics and has also helped me set high goals academically. The expectations and goals that I have for myself are a direct result of my participation in athletics. It is a blessing to be able to compete in athletics, because they have taught me many life lessons, for example, leadership. Sometimes leaders have to take charge, but at other times leaders must step back and encourage their teammates to be leaders for themselves and the team. Leadership also requires responsibility and accountability, two qualities I possess and utilize in my everyday life as a student, as well as, a team captain. I work diligently to excel in my role as a leader on the teams that I have been a part of. Being a student athlete has taught me how valuable time is. I have mastered time management and have been able to maintain a grade point average that I am very proud of. I have always prioritized my academics before my athletics, because I know the importance of education. Setting goals, being a leader, and managing my time, things that I developed through athletics, will be a guide for a successful future.
Emily Kind, Marathon High School – 4.0 GPA
Varsity Letters Earned by Grade
Volleyball – 9, 10, 11, 12
Basketball – 10, 11, 12
Softball – 9, 10, 11
Team WIAA Success
Volleyball: Conference Champion – 9, 11
Regional Champion – 9, 12
Sectional Champion – 12
Basketball: Conference Champion – 12
Regional Champion – 12
Sectional Champion – 12
Softball: Conference Champion – 11
Regional Champion – 9, 10, 11
Times Named to All-Conference First Team
Volleyball – 4
Basketball – 2
Softball – 2
Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP
Volleyball – 3
Basketball – 2
Softball – 2
Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities
Student Council – 4 (President)
National Honor Society – 3
Class Officer – 2 (Vice President)
Future Business Leaders – 4
Fellowship of Christ – 2
Yearbook – 2
Math League – 1
Spanish Club – 1
Civic & Community Activities
Big Brothers/Big Sisters - senior year Served food for Salvation Army / Rang Bells - sophomore, junior, senior year Volunteer for St. Mary's annual Packer Tailgate Party fundraiser Volunteered as an advisor assistant at a week long bible study camp for young children called Vacation Bible School Volunteered at pet adoption center
Essay
Athletic participation benefits individuals in infinite ways and the benefits' value is immeasurable. Through my experience, participation in sports has not only helped develop me as an athlete, but as a person. My sports experience has taught me life lessons that have already and will continue to positively impact my future. Participation in sports has helped develop me into the person I am today. Athletic participation taught me what it means to have good character and how important it is through playing for many honorable coaches, who instilled good character values in me, and from playing with players of integrity. Participating in sports also has provided me with valuable life lessons. Some of these life lessons I've learned include: nothing comes without hard work, winning isn't everything, always maintain positivity, learn from your mistakes, and many more. Participation in sports introduced me to theses lessons at a young age and helped deepen my understanding of them. The life lessons sports have taught me apply further than just the field or court. They are lessons that will help me in all aspects in my future including in college, my profession, and life. Athletic participation also helped me develop many valuable skills such as leadership, communication, working within team, and time management. These skills will be key contributions to success in my future. Through my athletic participation, I have become a driven, hard-working person with integrity who is prepared for the future because of how athletics have positively impacted my life.
Kyncaide Diedrich, Athens High School – 3.83 GPA
Varsity Letters Earned by Grade
Volleyball – 9, 10, 11, 12
Basketball – 9, 10, 11, 12
Softball – 9, 10, 11
Team WIAA Success
Volleyball: Conference Champion – 9, 10, 11, 12
Regional Champion – 12
Basketball: Conference Champion – 11, 12
Regional Champion – 11, 12
Softball: Conference Champion – 9, 10, 11
Regional Champion – 11
Times Named to All-Conference First Team
Volleyball – 2
Basketball – 4
Softball – 3
Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP
Volleyball – 1
Basketball – 4
Softball – 3
Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities
Band – 4 (Drum Major)
FAC – 4 (Captain)
National Honor Society – 3
FBLA – 4
Student-to-Student – 3
Civic & Community Activities
Bell ringing for the Salvation Army, Teaching children's church for youth, Volunteer assistant for basketball camps
Essay
Participating in athletics has shaped who I am as a person. It has taught me many life skills that I know I will use throughout my life. These include teamwork, time management, pressing through adversity, and social skills that will help me to work with others. I have learned how to persevere through hard times and continue to strive toward a desired goal. I know that a team shares a common goal and works together with the team goal in mind, not personal goals. I have seen time and time again that keeping the team first usually will eventually lead to personal goals being met, as well. Participating in athletics has taught me that there is a lesson in everything, especially in losing, or falling short of set goals, and often the ones that hurt the most are the best lessons learned. Being in sports will only help me in my future endeavors of college, career, and family. I will apply all of the skills that I have gained throughout my entire life, and will hopefully pass many of them on to others through a career of teaching and coaching. I have seen how a person can have a great impact on others with very small acts, or often without even knowing it. To participate in sports is a privilege and an honor, and it is a great opportunity to be a leader for others.
Girls Division 4
Erica Gehl, Hilbert High School – 4. 0 GPA
Varsity Letters Earned by Grade
Volleyball – 9, 10, 11, 12
Basketball – 9, 10, 11, 12
Track & Field – 9, 11
Team WIAA Success
Volleyball: Conference Champion – 10, 12
Regional Champion – 10, 11, 12
Sectional Champion – 11, 12
Basketball: Regional Champion – 9, 10, 11
Times Named to All-Conference First Team
Volleyball – 3
Basketball – 3
Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP
Volleyball – 3
Basketball – 3
Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities
School Musical – 4
Leaders of the Pack – 2
Boomerang – 2
Pep Band – 2
Student Council – 2
Forensics – 1
Yearbook – 4
Solo and Ensemble – 3
National Honor Society – 2
Civic & Community Activities
Volunteer coach for our elementary basketball and volleyball programs. Mass server in my church. Brain Bowl.
Essay
I have loved sports since day one but I always thought school taught me life lessons. Turns out I was wrong because playing sports has taught me infinite things about life. It has pushed me to my limits. It taught me to have confidence and to play with sportsmanship. I have learned to lead others toward a common goal and to work together to be successful. I also had to cope with failure. During basketball last season, we had a huge sectional semi-final game. My team depended on me to lead us to victory. The night before the game, I became sick with the stomach flu. I could not play that game and my team lost. To this day I tear up every time I think of that game. It kills me knowing I couldn’t play and help out my team. This basketball season, I think of all the girls with injuries that do not allow them to play and I play for them. I cherish all these precious moments in high school sports. In the future, I want to inspire others to work hard and fulfill their dreams. The relationships I’ve made through sports are irreplaceable and I am so thankful for what my sports career has given me. Because of my positive athletic career, I want to impact the youth by coaching them. I want to watch them grow and develop as talented and respectful young women.
Britley Grulke, Hustisford High School – 4.0 GPA
Varsity Letters Earned by Grade
Volleyball – 9, 10, 11, 12
Basketball – 9, 10, 11, 12
Soccer – 9
Team WIAA Success
Volleyball: Conference Champion – 12
Regional Champion – 12
Times Named to All-Conference First Team
Volleyball – 3
Basketball – 3
Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP
Volleyball – 4
Basketball – 4
Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities
National Honor Society – 2
Student Council – 4 (Secretary, President)
Math Bowl Team – 3
Essay
Athletics have been a major part of my life ever since I was a little girl. From ballet to the more competitive sports like basketball and volleyball, my nights consisted of long, tough practices and harsh criticism. For some people, this might not seem enjoyable in the slightest, but for me, I would not change it for anything. Being involved in athletics has shaped me into the committed and persevering person I am today. Being a student athlete, especially in high school, has taught me many useful things. Three of the most important qualities that a student athlete must possess include dedication, time management, and the value of hard work. You have to devote yourself to your sport with all of the time and commitment that it entails, while still staying on top of your academics. I believe that I have mastered these skills. Along with receiving multiple athletic honors, I have earned and kept a 4.0 GPA throughout my entire high school career. Being involved in athletics has greatly contributed to my development and I know it will also impact my future. Having gained the important qualities of dedication, time management, and hard work, I have the confidence that I will be successful in college and in my future career. I am proud of the committed and persevering person that I am today, and I owe a great deal of that to the experience I have gained participating in athletics.
Betsy Schreier, Cashton High School – 4.0 GPA
Varsity Letters Earned by Grade
Cross Country – 9, 10, 11, 12
Basketball – 9, 10, 11, 12
Track & Field – 9, 10, 11
Individual Sports Achievement
Track & Field: Conference Champion – 9, 10, 11
Regional Champion – 10, 11
Sectional Champion – 10, 11
State Champion – 10, 11
Team WIAA Success
Basketball Regional Champion – 12
Times Named to All-Conference First Team
Cross Country – 4
Basketball – 3
Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP
Cross Country – 3
Basketball – 1
Track & Field – 1
Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities
Drama Club – 4
Band – 4
Choir – 4
Student Council – 4 (President)
National Honor Society – 3
SOAR – 4 (Secretary)
FFA – 4
Badger Girls State – 1
Civic & Community Activities
4-H Club - Served as Reporter, Treasurer, Historian, Vice President and President over a nine year involvement.
Essay
Athletic participation contributes to the development of not only my generation, but past generations too. My parents were exceptional athletes. My dad played on a football team that got second at state. My mom was on my school’s first basketball team and she set many records on the track for her time. They were all-around athletes, so when they had children, their children obviously would participate in sports. I started my athletic participation by playing basketball on Saturdays when I was in third grade and softball during the summers starting when I was ten. In high school, I chose to participate in cross country, basketball, and track. Being a three sport athlete has taught me many valuable skills that will help me excel in life. I had to be able to manage my time wisely, cooperate with my teammates, and have a strong work ethic. These skills have helped not only me in sports, but also in school. These skill -- time management, cooperation, teamwork, and a strong work ethic that I have learned through athletic participation, have served me well throughout my high school career. This is evident by my success on and off the court. These same skills will carry me throughout college and well into my future career. These skills are will truly make me “college and career ready.” My parents learned them in athletics many years ago, and now I have had the opportunity to learn them through athletics, as well.
Rachel Slaney, Barneveld High School – 3.52 GPA
Varsity Letters Earned by Grade
Volleyball – 9, 10, 11, 12
Basketball – 9, 10, 11, 12
Softball – 9, 10
Track & Field – 11
Team WIAA Success
Volleyball: Conference Champion – 9
Basketball: Conference Champion – 9, 10, 11, 12
Regional Champion – 9, 10, 11, 12
Sectional Champion – 10, 11, 12
State Champion – 11, 12
Softball: Conference Champion – 9
Times Named to All-Conference First Team
Volleyball – 4
Basketball – 4
Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP
Volleyball – 1
Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities
Drama – 1
National Honor Society – 1
Civic & Community Activities
4-H – six years
Essay
How has athletic participation contributed to my development and how has it impacted my future? That question is rather easy to answer. Being on a team is an indescribable feeling that I wish more people got to experience in their lifetime. Ever since I was a little girl I knew that I wanted to play sports and compete. Why? I discovered the passion to play ball from having to watch and go to every game that my older siblings participated in and I wanted nothing more than for time to fly by so I would be the one out there playing. Nonetheless I didn't know that it would have been the best thing to happen to me? Some people see sports as just a fun activity to do to pass time but for me, it changed my life. It is so much more than going out and having fun, it taught me aspects that are much needed later in life. It let me experience failure and success which are two huge aspects in life. It taught me that hard work really does pay off; everything isn’t about me, and to never give up. With every practice I learned how to become not only a team member, but a leader. Practice and games made me a better person as a whole because not only did I have to be there for myself, I also had to be there for my team and work hard every day for my team and myself. Which overall, gave me the best experience to get ready for the “real” world.