BY RICH PALZEWIC
SPORTS EDITOR
Kallianne Mikesch is a senior at Bay Port High School playing on the Bay Area Ice Bears girls’ hockey team.
Mikesch’s father, Pat, is the head coach of the Green Bay Gamblers, and her brother, Austin, is currently playing in the North American Hockey League for the Chippewa Steel.
Besides hockey, her hobbies include hanging out with friends and family.
Mikesch’s future plans include studying kinesiology at the University of Minnesota.
College hockey is not in her future.
Name: Kallianne Mikesch
Nickname: Kalli, Kal
School: Bay Port
Sport: Girls’ hockey
Parents: Pat and Aimee
Twitter: @KallianneM
Tell me about your family.
“Besides Austin, I have a younger brother named Eliott who is currently in the eighth grade, my dad played and coached at Michigan Tech (Houghton) and my mom is from Marquette, Michigan.”
When did you start playing hockey?
“I started figure skating when I was really young but switched to hockey in the second grade. My dad and Austin would take me to open skate and show me all these things. My skating and speed is my strength.”
Hockey is definitely a part of your family!
“I think my mom played a few sports, but she was more into competitive horse riding. Eliott also plays hockey.”
Speaking of Austin, when he was playing in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League last year, the Humbolt bus tragedy happened when they were on the way to play his team in the playoffs.
“It was definitely hard for him. He called my mom right away. He was one of the only players on the team that didn’t come home after that happened, so he had to kind of deal with it on his own. I think they were only 6 miles from the rink when it happened.”
Did you ever try any other high school sports?
“I ran track my freshman and sophomore year.”
How about a high school sport you wish you would have done?
“I always thought gymnastics was cool, but we don’t have a high school team.”
You have a new coach this season in Eric Widas.
“I think he is adjusting well – it’s not easy dealing with teenage girls. I was a little scared because I was close with (former head coach) Brandon Erkilla, but I think things are going well.”
What would be your most memorable hockey moment?
“I was on the team my sophomore year when we went to state. We beat Hayward in the semifinals but then lost in the championship game in overtime. It was heartbreaking but still my favorite moment.”
Do you have a most embarrassing moment?
“During my junior season, I ripped my hockey pants during a game. I finished the game with them.”
How smelly is your hockey gear?
“I feel mine isn’t as bad as Austin’s was. It’s still pretty bad, but we have nice lockers to air things out.”
What is something about you most people wouldn’t know?
“I was born in Germany because my dad was playing hockey there at the time. We moved to the states when I was 3, then up to Hancock, Michigan, before moving here when I was in the fifth grade.”
I bet you can speak pretty good German?
“I’m involved in the German Club at Bay Port. I could probably hold a simple conversation with a native German person.”
What three words describe you?
“Funny, outgoing, determined.”
Do you have a favorite area for vacation?
“I love the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, especially in the summer.”
Finish this sentence: On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me …
“Probably sleeping in or working.”
How will Kalli Mikesch be remembered at Bay Port?
“Someone who is friendly to everyone and wanted to keep them included, and a person that strives to be the best.”
Beach or mountains?
“Mountains.”
Booth or table?
“Booth.”
Sunrise or sunset?
“Sunset.”
Winter or summer?
“Summer.”
Carpet or hardwood?
“Hardwood.”
Favorites
Athlete: Pavel Datsyuk
Sport to watch at Bay Port: Boys’ hockey
Food: Buttered noodles
Ice cream: Strawberry
Winter activity besides hockey: Sledding