Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Sports: Basketball and baseball

Parents’ names: Jessica Paplham, Ben Paplham

Siblings: Austin Paplham, Emma Paplham

Position or events: Baseball-catcher, basketball- Forward

Social media: Instagram:@ethan_pap9 / Twitter(X): @EthanPaplham9

Career highlight: A career highlight I have had is my sophomore year of high school playing varsity baseball when I went 4-5 batting and had five RBIs winning the game 19-5. That is the best game I have ever played in my time playing varsity baseball.

At what age did you start playing baseball/basketball ?
I started playing baseball when i was seven years old; I started playing basketball when I was nine years old.

Who introduced you to the sport?
My parents were the people who introduced me to baseball and basketball and I am very thankful that they did.

Has this always been your favorite sport?
Baseball has been my favorite sport for my whole life and I’m glad I fell in love with it.

How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year?
I would say that my freshman through junior year I was focused a lot on working hard to get my school work done so then I could use the rest of my day to practice sports. Now in my senior year I am not in as many classes so I don’t have as much work to do. That leaves me more time to practice my sport and do things that are going to help me physically.

What is your favorite part about baseball/basketball?
My favorite part about baseball is the fun times I get to have with my teammates. Nothing beats having fun with your friends/teammates while playing the game I love.

My favorite part about basketball is all the fun bus rides to games with my teammates. The unforgettable memories the bus rides give.

What about it has caused you to stick with it for this long?
My love for the game of baseball has made me stick with it for this long. I never get bored playing the game. The excitement that comes with baseball has always been one of my favorite things that keep me into the game. And obviously talent is also something that keeps me going.

Is there a professional athlete you look up to? If so, who?
A professional athlete I look up to is Kobe Bryant. He has always been the person to put in a lot of work so he can be the best player out on the court. I look up to him because I always put work in to be the best player on the field and I never give up. Kobe has sadly past away, but he will always be the person I look up to the most because he has helped me so much.

What would you say is your biggest asset on the field/court?
My biggest asset on the court for basketball would be my defense. I have never been an offensive player so I make sure I am really good at defense so the other team struggles to score.

My biggest asset in baseball is my ability to hit the ball consistently and putting my team in good situations while also playing really good defense and making outs efficiently.

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?
My most memorable high school sports experience was winning the regional championship for baseball.

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 knowing how much I have grown throughout high school. With all of the work that I have put into getting better at the sports I play has made me grow as a person and athlete. Going through all of the years I have really become more social and become a better person while socializing and making new friends.

Do you have any pre-match rituals/routines/superstitions?
Before every game I always listen to music, pray and make sure I am fully stretched out.

Do you take any extra steps to prepare for a big match/game/meet, outside of regular?
For big games I always make sure that I am calm and I do breathing exercises to get myself in the zone and to stay calm.

What has been your favorite experience with being a senior this year?
My favorite experience is being in the student sections for sporting events and knowing it’s my last year in them for high school so I give it all I have in the student section.

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to give a shout out to?
I would like to give a shout out to my baseball coach Dan Spranger for always believing in me and helping me through my journey in baseball.

Any hobbies outside of sports?
Outside of sports I like to hang out with my friends, go ice fishing and spend time with my cousins and family.

Favorite movie?
My favorite movie is Waterboy. I like Adam sandler and water boy is my favorite movie he is in.

Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade or water?
For games I am always drinking water because I feel like it keeps me the most hydrated during games.

Future plans?
My future plans are to play baseball in college and major in physical education.