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Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight: Katelynn Cleveland – Ashwaubenon softball

Ashwaubenon graduate Katelynn Cleveland was the Fox River Classic Conference Softball Player of the Year after her junior season and will be heading to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater this fall. Heather Lynn Photography

By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent


Name: Katelynn Cleveland

Nickname: Kate, Cleveland

Parents: Rich and Carrie Cleveland

Activity: Softball

Twitter: @Kate_Cleveland

Katelynn Cleveland is a recent graduate of Ashwaubenon High School.

She was the Fox River Classic Conference Player of the Year after her junior season and will be heading to UW-Whitewater this fall to play softball and pursue a career in sports medicine.

Cleveland’s hobbies include working out and spending time with her dog.

The Jaguars had three successful seasons with you playing.

“I was fortunate to have a supportive community and a great coaching staff. Our team not only focused on the physical aspect of softball but the mental perspective.”

What’s been your most embarrassing softball moment?

“My freshman year on our Florida trip, I played left field. A player on the opposing team hit a home run, and everyone could tell it went over the fence but me. I continued to run, not realizing where I was, and ran straight into the fence. I hit the ground but stood right back up, upset I didn’t catch the ball. All the coaches looked at me like I was crazy. I had chain-linked bruises on the whole side of my body and pretty much never played the outfield again.”

Talk about Coach VanLaanen.

“The entire coaching staff has always been supportive in my softball career. They helped me become a better leader and softball player and accepted my weird sense of humor. They’ll always be important in my life.”

What’s the hardest part about playing softball?

“For me, it’s the mental aspect. Talent only takes you so far, but it’s your ability to overcome challenges and adversity that makes you a great teammate.”

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

“A Division I softball coach and see the game from a different perspective at one of the highest levels it can be played.

Pitch 70 mph consistently or hit a 250-foot blast once in your lifetime?  

“Pitch 70 mph consistently.”

What’s something about you most people don’t know?

“I have a batting cage in my garage, and my dog loves to sit in the batter’s box while I pitch.”

Do you have a sports ritual before a game?

“When it comes to softball, I am a superstitious person. I tend to go through each game in my head before stepping on the field. I like to be ready for anything and know what’s coming next.”

What’s the best softball field you’ve played on?

“Phil Adam Field at Pioneer Park where we played our high school softball games. In my opinion, it’s better than some college fields, but it also might be the sentimental aspect for me.”

What four words describe you?

“Competitive, confident, dedicated, determined.”

If you didn’t play softball, what other sport could you have excelled in?

“Hockey or lacrosse, although I’ve never tried either of them.”

How do you want to be remembered at Ashwaubenon?

“For softball and my dedication to making my team and community better.”

Favorite sound of spring?

“Although never a good sign for softball, I love the sound of rain at night.”

Biggest sports achievement?

“Winning conference last year and getting the opportunity to play the sport I love at the collegiate level.”

Three cities you’d love to visit?

“Los Angeles, New York and Honolulu.”

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

“I will be 38, so hopefully, I will have a stable career and a family. I’ve always wanted to settle in Ashwaubenon and coach softball while pursuing my career in sports medicine.”

Favorites

Food: Chicken

Subject: Math

Vehicle: My truck

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