Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Parents’ names: My parents are Sarah and Mike
Siblings: I have one brother, Lance, who is a freshman at UW-La Crosse.
Position or events: In basketball, I play guard and I am a pitcher for softball.
Instagram: @erin.cherovsky
Career Highlight: I will never forget making a three point basket at the buzzer to beat Wrightstown in basketball and earning a unanimous First Team All-Conference selection as a pitcher.

At what age did you start playing your main sport?

It is hard to say which is my favorite. It constantly changes depending which season I am in. I started playing both softball and basketball right around second grade.

Who introduced you to the sport?

My parents always had my brother and me outside. We had bins of sports equipment in the garage and basement and it is just what we always did for fun.

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

Being a three sport athlete throughout high school has taught me time management skills. During my freshman, sophomore and junior year, all of my classes were at school. Now, I take courses through Bellin College as well as AP courses at LC High School. While my classes are more challenging this year, I find that the flexibility of not being in the high school for the entire day makes it a bit easier to balance academics and athletics.

What is your favorite part about this sport? What about it has caused you to stick with it for this long?

I had great coaches in community-based youth sports as well as with the Luxemburg Casco Youth Softball Organization. They were always very encouraging and made being part of their teams a lot of fun. I also made long-lasting friendships with my teammates. My favorite part about sports is the team atmosphere. Whether it was piling into a car to go to youth tournaments or now riding on the LC bus to away games, making memories with my teammates is super fun.

Is there a professional athlete you look up to? If so, why?

I look up to Cat Osterman, a left-handed pitcher from the University of Texas, who played collegiately and in the Olympics. She is not known for her blazing pitch speed, but rather for her craftiness on the mound with a mix of speed, ball movement and skill of hitting spots. Those are things I have always worked on consistently as a medium-sized, lefty pitcher.

What would you say is your biggest asset as an athlete?

My biggest asset is my ability to stay cool and collected no matter what might be happening in the game. As a pitcher, the team is constantly looking to me, so avoiding frustration is super important. A family friend, who was also my pitching coach, drilled into me the idea that every pitch, every batter, is a new opportunity. If I stay calm in challenging moments, I know I can count on my teammates to do the same.

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

Winning softball conference two years in a row.

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

The past four years have flown by. Looking back, I am proud of both my growth as an athlete and as a person. Through the time I dedicated to sports and the relationships I formed, athletic involvement has helped shape me into the person I am today. My passion for sports has led me to support Special Olympics Wisconsin and athletes with exceptional needs in my community. Participation in sports and its benefits should not be for a select few.

Do you have any pre-meet rituals/routines/superstitions?

I wear my hair the same for every game.

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

Kyle Thayse was my youth softball coach for many years. I spent most of my childhood playing on the Sugarbush and LCUSO Youth Leagues under his coaching leadership. He had a way of getting everyone to be their best in every situation. My dad has also always been there to catch and pitch for me, and although I didn’t always appreciate it at the moment, I will always appreciate the time he spent, even after a long day at work.

Any hobbies outside of sports?

I enjoy swimming, going to cafes and hanging out with friends.

Favorite song?

“Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel.

Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade or water?

I take in a lot of water before games, but enjoy a can of Celsius on occasion.

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

I plan to attend either UW-La Crosse or Marquette University and major in biology/biomedical science on the pre-dental track.