Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Parents’ names: Lynn and Steve Holschuh
Siblings: Grace Holschuh
Position or events: I compete with my team and with my solo
Instagram: @elainaholschuh
Career Highlight: If I had to pick a few I would say placing 3rd at State this past year in our pom routine, placing top 2 with my solo at every regular-season competition, and becoming the first dancer in over 12 years from Luxemburg-Casco to become an All-State Solo Team Member.

At what age did you start playing your main sport?
I started dancing when I was 13.

Who introduced you to the sport?

My cousin and now coach Alexa Geniesse, and her sister Maia Geniesse.

Has this always been your favorite sport?

No, I actually started dancing relatively late compared to most dancers that started when they were toddlers. I tried out soccer, softball and track and field but I have come to realize that dance is my true passion.

How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year?
I have definitely become more time-efficient throughout my years as a student athlete. Dance is a nine-month long sport so juggling practice and competitions with schoolwork has gotten easier over the years with lots of practice.

What has been your motivation in continuing athletics through high school?
I have continued dancing because it makes me feel better every day and is my creative outlet to express myself. Being able to focus on every intricate detail of my performance helps me forget about anything stressful and brings me peace.

What is one goal you’ve set for yourself that you’re especially proud of achieving?
One goal I set for myself my freshman year was to get better at turning. I was struggling to keep up with the rest of the team, and now I feel as though turns are my strongest skill in dance.

What is one lesson your sport has taught you that has helped you in other areas of life?
A life lesson I have learned is that you need to work hard outside of practice in order to succeed. My work ethic towards my job and school has increased a lot because of dance.

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

One of my most memorable experiences was receiving first place with my solo for the first time at our opening competition this season.

How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)?
It feels great seeing how much I have grown as a dancer because of all of the effort I have put in to reach the level of my competitors. Dance has also shaped me to become a hardworking person in all areas of my life.

Have you experienced any obstacles in your athletic career, and how have you overcome them?
One big obstacle that I had to overcome this season was pneumonia. I had developed it the week before a solo competition, bringing my endurance down a lot. Throughout this time I made sure to take care of my body and give myself breaks at practice so that I could heal.

What is one thing about your sport that people don’t often realize or appreciate?
People often don’t realize truly how much time goes into dance. We have to remember two routines that are two and a half minutes long, as well as any changes to the routine that might be made during practice every day. Often even after practice, we go home and rehearse our routines even more.

If you could change one rule in your sport, what would it be and why?
I would change the rule that we cannot have long nails at a dance competition. This rule is used to make sure nothing is “distracting” the judges from our routine, but I prefer to have longer nails.

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

I’d like to give a shoutout to my former coach, Kim. She shaped me into the passionate and determined dancer I am today.

What is something you still want to achieve before you graduate high school?
I never got to perform a solo outside of a competition, so I am going to go out of my comfort zone and perform a solo at my school’s spring Variety Show!

Outside of your sport, what’s something you’re passionate about or enjoy doing in your free time?
I love all things art, whether it’s painting, drawing, or ceramics.

Favorite song?
One if my favorite songs is “Good Days” by SZA.

Favorite beverage during a competition?
I actually like drinking pedialyte the morning of a competition.

What will you miss the most about competing in high school sports?
I will miss my teammates and how close of a bond we had with each other.

Future Plans? (college, major, career, etc.)
I plan on going to UW-Green Bay to major in art with an emphasis in Education to become an Art Teacher! I also plan on trying out for UW-Green Bay’s Dance Team.