Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Parent’s names: Scott and Patti Szydel
Siblings: Emily Szydel
Position or events: Runner, hurdler, thrower
Career highlight: Competing at state cross country two years in a row.

At what age did you start playing your sport(s)?

Eight years old.

Who introduced you to your sport(s)?
No one really introduced me to my sport, I started running in the running club in grade school because I wanted something to do after school.

What is your favorite sport?
Track and field.

How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year?
I would say that balancing my academics and athletics has been the same throughout my years in high school. I just try to stay ahead of my work and get it done in class so that I don’t have to worry about it at home. It just took me a little bit of time my freshman year to understand that.

What is your favorite part about your sport(s)? What about it has caused you to stick with it for this long?
100% the team. All the girls are always there to support one another and most of them are some of my closest friends. They always make every brutal track workout or 1000 meter repeats fun, and make me want to go to practice every day. They are some of my biggest supporters in life, in and out of sports.

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

I don’t really have a professional athlete that I look up to. However, there is someone I think is practically a professional athlete, Hannah Miller. I have looked up to her since I was a freshman. She always goes above and beyond the workout that is planned and is a great person in and out of sports.

What would you say is your biggest asset on the court/field?
I would say that my biggest asset on the course and track is my leadership.

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?
Getting the chance to compete at state for the second time in school history with a really fun team.

How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)?
Looking back to my freshman days, I can definitely see the growth that I have made. I remember walking into the first day of practice my freshman year being extremely scared because I didn’t know anyone on the team. Now I know all of the girls on my team and am glad to call them all my friends. As well as the fact that I would always lean on the upperclassman ahead of me when I was a freshman. Now I am the one leading the people younger than me. It is definitely bittersweet to see how much I have changed in four years.

Do you have any pre-game rituals/routines/superstitions?
I always go through the same stretches before every race. On the line, I always fist bump my teammates and coaches while wishing each other good luck. Plus, I do the same jump routine before every track race.

Do you take any extra steps to prepare for a big game or event, outside of regular training?

I just make sure to really get in the mood for the big race ahead. Surprisingly enough, running can strain your mental strength more than your physical strength sometimes. I need to understand that what comes ahead might feel uncomfortable and push my limits; however, that is the only way to succeed.

What has been your favorite experience with being a senior this year?
My favorite experience from being a senior is noticing how much more grateful I am with the people in my life. Seeing how my days with the people in my high school and sports are decreasing, it has been really cool to really appreciate every single one of them.

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to give a shout out to?
Braelyn Witcpalek. She was the upperclassman when I was a freshman. Even though at the time she seemed really scary, she took me in, led me, and became one of my biggest inspirations. I miss not having her at practice everyday because she would always be the person that I could talk to and she would pick me up if I was having a rough time. Now I realized that she is the one who taught me how to lead a team and make the best of every moment.

Any hobbies outside of sports?
Skiing, spending time with friends, cooking and working.

Favorite food?
Pasta.

Favorite movie/TV show?

“Grey’s Anatomy.”

Future plans? (college, major, career, etc.)
I am planning on attending UW-La Crosse, majoring in biology, getting into their Physicians Assistant program, and working as a Women’s Health Physicians Assistant.