Sunday, February 9, 2025
31 °
Mostly Cloudy

Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Emma Laatsch, Northeastern Wisconsin Lutheran School, volleyball and basketball

Posted

Parents’ names: Doug and Christel Laatsch

Siblings: Cori and Will Laatsch

Position or events: Outside hitter in volleyball and post player in basketball

Instagram: @_emma_laatsch_

Career Highlight: getting the school’s career kill record in volleyball my senior year

At what age did you start playing your main sport?
Not sure what age but around third grade is when I started volleyball.

Who introduced you to the sport?
My friends and I played in middle school and I never quit since.

Has this always been your favorite sport?
Yes. I’ve always loved volleyball.

How has the balance between academics and athletics changed for you from freshman to senior year?
During freshman year, school was very stressful with volleyball and felt like a lot of pressure but senior year has been easier and I’ve learned how to balance it better.

What is your favorite part about this sport?
I love the energy when you score big points and how our program focuses so much on being a family with each other.

What about it has caused you to stick with it for this long?
I love volleyball and it’s what I look forward to everyday.

Is there a professional athlete you look up to? If so, why?
I would say a lot of the big 10 players. They all compose themselves well and have a good attitude. I hope to be like them and have that kinda of character when I play.

What would you say is your biggest asset on the court?
I like to think I’m strategic and can help my team get the points when we need them.

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?
My most memorable experience is playing with my teammate Lexi Dhein. she’s always so supportive and I would never not want to be around her on/off the court.

How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)?
I feel proud of myself because my composure has definitely improved and my confidence in myself has grown more than I ever expected.

Do you have any pre-match rituals/routines/superstitions?
I need to stretch with music, and eat Chipotle as my pre-game meal. As for superstitions, I definitely believe in “look good, play good”. If my hair is bad or in a different style, I have a bad game. I also need white socks, gym, and the same jewelry every game.

Do you take any extra steps to prepare for a big match/game/meet, outside of regular practices?
When I prepare I like to visualize what i think the game will be like and how i will act in situations that may happen. I also watch film and take notes so i know what to expect and prepare for.

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to shout out?
Some coaches are coach Dan on my club team, along with coach Otto and obviously my school coach, Mike Schmidt because he has always been there for me and helped me when i need it. Some teammates, Kiley Dhein, Lexi Dhein, Abby Kitchener and Amber Otto. All these girls have been an inspiration to me and they have helped me grow as a person and player. They’re all amazing people and continue to support me as I support them.

Any hobbies outside of sports?
I don’t do a lot outside of sports besides hanging out with my friends.

Favorite song?
Anything by Sexyy Red. Noah Kahan, Gracie Abrams or SZA.

Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade or water?
I prefer water over the other two but otherwise I’d choose Gatorade. I don’t like having flavor in my drinks because it makes me feel full as if i just ate a big meal.

Future Plans? (college, major, career, etc.)
I plan to play volleyball in college and major in business management hoping to be in real estate or photography.

Emma Laatsch, Northeastern Wisconsin Lutheran School, volleyball and basketball, Nicolet National Bank, Senior Spotlight

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here