By Rich Palzewic
Sports Editor
Name: Vanessa Grunwald
Sport: Girls’ soccer
Position: Midfield
Parents: Laurie and Chad Grunwald
Vanessa Grunwald, a four-year varsity player, is a recent graduate at Pulaski High School and played on the girls’ soccer team.
She’ll be attending the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire this fall to study nursing and play soccer.
Grunwald’s hobbies include traveling, working out and hanging with friends.
Tell me about your family.
“I have a sister, Alexis, who is a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, my dad graduated from Bay Port High School and my mom went to Green Bay Southwest.”
Do you come from a sports family?
“My mom played basketball, softball and volleyball in high school, and Alexis played soccer.”
How did you get your start with soccer?
“My parents put me in soccer at a young age – I liked it, so I kept playing. Seeing my sister play before me helped, too.”
What type of season would Pulaski have had if it wouldn’t have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
“I think we would have done well. We had some awesome incoming freshmen, and I was excited.”
When did you know the season was in jeopardy?
“When the NCAA started canceling their spring seasons, I knew we were done.”
What was it like having Kelly Logue as your soccer coach?
“She was the assistant coach during my sophomore year, and then the head coach my junior season. She was all about team dynamics and did lots of team-bonding activities. It felt like a family atmosphere, and I looked forward to practices and games.”
What’s your most memorable soccer moment?
“Going to state my freshman year. Even though we lost, it was a great experience.”
An embarrassing moment?
“During my indoor soccer season, one time I chested a ball and it knocked me on my back – everyone started laughing.”
How many times in a row can you head a soccer ball?
“Probably 10.”
If you could have one wish, what would it be?
“That everyone in my family would be in good health and happy.”
What’s a typical Sunday morning like for you?
“Sleep in a little, wake up, talk with my family, shower and watch a little television.”
You like to travel – what’s been a favorite place to vacation?
“I like Jamaica lots. I like any place tropical and sunny.’
You’re not a fan of winter then?
“No, not at all (laughing).”
What’s something about you most people don’t know?
“I was a gymnast for about six years from kindergarten to the sixth-grade. It became too much time with soccer. I got to level 7, so that was pretty good.”
What three words describe you?
“Easy-going, compassionate, trustworthy.”
How will you be remembered at Pulaski?
“As a person who worked hard and always gave it my all.”
What will you miss about Pulaski?
“My coaches, teammates, teachers and having dinner as a team before game days.”
Carpet or hardwood?
“Carpet.”
Spring or fall?
“Spring.”
Ice cream or candy?
“Ice cream.”
Fruits or veggies?
“Fruits.”
Dogs or cats?
“Dogs.”
Favorites
Soccer player: Rose Lavelle
Ice cream: Cake Batter
Phone app: Snapchat
Food: Pasta
Animal: Dolphin
Editor’s note: Read last week’s Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight on West De Pere’s Tyler Rukamp.