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Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight: Rylie Severson – Ashwaubenon girls golf, basketball and track and field

 

By Murray Gleffe

Correspondent


Name: Rylie Severson

Parents: Jennifer Williams and Barry Severson

Activities: Girls’ golf, basketball and track and field

Twitter: @RylieSeverson

Rylie Severson is a senior at Ashwaubenon High School

She competes in golf in the fall, basketball in the winter and track and field in the spring.

Severson, a 2018 WIAA state qualifier, is the No. 1 golfer for the Jaguars.

Talk about being a three-sport athlete and the challenges of each.

“Balancing sports with my academics is difficult. I don’t have a lot of time off. For example, in the spring, I’m running track, getting back out on the golf course and practicing with my AAU basketball team. In a larger high school, I’m competing against other athletes who are specializing in one sport, so making myself competitive takes a lot of dedication and discipline. I’m also not very big, so playing basketball and high jumping against giants, is hard.”

What did you think of Tiger winning the Masters?

“It was cool he was able to come back and win.”

What is your most embarrassing basketball moment?

“When I was on junior varsity and playing against Southwest, I picked up two quick fouls and sat most of the half. Coach put me in with a few seconds left in the half to hit a shot. I air-balled it and there was still 0.01 seconds remaining.”

A chip in for eagle or a 275-yard drive piped down the middle? 

“Eagle.”

Talk about Coach Penza, Coach VanLaanen and Coach Kromm.

“Coach Penza [golf] has provided me with a lot of opportunities and has helped me develop my mental game. He always believes in me, which builds my confidence – which in turn helped me get to state last year. Coach VanLaanen has coached me my entire basketball career and put a great amount of trust in me this past season in handling pressure situations. She’s taught me to be a good person on and off the court. Coach Kromm [track] is extremely positive, funny and has always trusted me to perform in pressure situations. I also have to give a shout out to the Schroeder’s who help me with my jumps.”

Thoughts on Ryder Cup coming to Wisconsin in 2020?

“I’m excited. It’s a huge deal, and I hope to go. It’s cool they are playing at Whistling Straits where I’ve played many times.”

If you could be somebody for a day, who would it be? 

“Shay Mitchell.”

What are your thoughts before you start your take-off to clear the high jump bar?

“I take deep breaths, think about getting speed and the takeoff.”

What are your goals for the 2019 golf season?

“Be a positive leader for my team, lower my average, make first-team all-conference, make it back to state and be first-team all-state.”

Favorite basketball team?

“The Golden State Warriors.”

Talk about how your family has shaped you during your teen years.

“They both believe in me. They encourage me to be the best person I can be and to value academics. They have taken me all over the Midwest to play basketball and all over Wisconsin to golf. They’ve made a lot of sacrifices for me to do what I love.”

Do you have a nickname or something a teammate calls you during a basketball game? 

“Ry or Ryles.”

Favorite shot in basketball?

“Corner three.”

What is one thing other teammates or coaches don’t know about you?

“I get embarrassed very easily.”

Favorite golf course outside of Wisconsin?

“I’ve only golfed in Wisconsin, but I’d love to play at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia.”

What are your college aspirations? 

“I want to study physical therapy and play golf.”

What are your hobbies? 

“I don’t have a lot of time, but I love to shop for shoes, watch Netflix and hang out with friends.”

What three words describe you? 

“Dedicated, athletic, positive.”

Final Four, the U.S. Open or the Olympics? 

“Olympics to watch beach volleyball.”

How do you clear three to four more inches in the long jump?

“It’s all about form, speed and timing – it’s not easy.”

Talk about three things you’re looking forward to in your final year at Ashwaubenon?

“Sports, building friendships and graduating.”

Your ideal foursome on the golf course if you could pick anybody in the world?

“Steph Curry, Rory McIlroy, Ricky Fowler and me.”

Which of the three sports do you feel like you are best at?

“They are all so different, but I’d say golf.”

Favorites

Food: Steak and potatoes

Season: Summer

Television show: Criminal Minds

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