Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Siblings: Older Sister - McKenna Ciesielczyk

Position or events: Guard

Instagram: @jaden_ciesielczyk

Career Highlight: My career highlight would be making FRCC All Conference Defensive Team last year.

At what age did you start playing basketball?
I’ve been playing since I was seven years old.

Who introduced you to the sport?
My parents have always encouraged me to play basketball when I was younger.

Has this always been your favorite sport?
Yes, I’ve always loved basketball. It’s been a part of my family forever with both my parents playing in high school and my Dad in college; as well as, my sister playing ever since she could walk.

How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year?
Balancing academics was always very challenging because I’ve been very involved in school taking several AP classes each year. However, I’ve been able to better manage my time between basketball and school growing up, as I’ve learned to stay organized and on-task.

What is your favorite part about basketball? What about it has caused you to stick with it for this long?
My favorite part about basketball is playing defense. I love the feeling of shutting down and frustrating an offensive player. With that said, it’s always rewarding when I can help my team throughout the game on both offense and defense.

Is there a professional athlete you look up to? If so, whom and why?
Somebody I look up to would be Micheal Jordan. Not only was he my Dad’s favorite athlete, his story itself is very inspiring. It drives me every day to keep trying and give my all.

What would you say is your biggest asset on the court?
My biggest asset on the court would be my defensive energy. You can’t control how many shots go in, but you can absolutely control how much energy and effort you play with.

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?
My most memorable experience would definitely be playing with my sister on varsity when she was a senior and I was a freshman. This was a very memorable year for me playing with her because the team was very successful and we made it to the State Tournament.

How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)?
It feels good to know that I’ve grown as a player and person with my teammates these past years. The friendships I’ve made while on the team are unforgettable, and I’m sad that this is my last year.

Do you have any pre-game rituals/routines/superstitions?
Last year I would always make my friend crack my back, and do the same stretches with me. I had to do it every game, the same way for good luck.

Do you take any extra steps to prepare for a big game outside of regular training?
Before any big game I would always make sure to eat healthy and get plenty of rest the night before.

What has been your favorite experience with being a senior this year?
It’s been a lot of fun going on college tours and working through the process of deciding where I want to go to school next year.

What are the top three songs on your workout/warmup playlist?
Bonfire By Childish Gambino, Love Is a Battlefield By Pat Benatar, and 10:35 By Tate McRae.

Any hobbies outside of sports?
I love to read during my down time.

Favorite movie?
Harry Potter: The Sorcerer’s Stone

Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade or water?
Liquid Death

Future Plans? (college, major, career, etc.)
I plan on studying either Nursing or Biomedical engineering in college.