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Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Luka Azzolina, Bay Port High School, swimming, cross country

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Parents’ names: Julie and Nick
Siblings: Dominick and Sophia
Position or events: I mainly swim the 200 IM and the 100 backstroke.
Career Highlight: Making high school swim State.

At what age did you start playing your main sport?
I started swimming competitively at around age eight.

Who introduced you to the sport?
My sister started swimming and it sort of became a family sport for us.

Has this always been your favorite sport?
I initially didn’t enjoy swimming because of how much hard work it was. However, later in life I learned to enjoy the physical struggle that swimming is.

How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year?
As I progressed through high school, the difficulty only increased. Once I reached senior year, I had to become a lot more organized and focused with my academics if I wanted to make time for swimming.

What is your favorite part about this sport? What about it has caused you to stick with it for this long?

My favorite part about this sport was the physical intensity associated with it. A lot of times I would get in the pool and complete a set that I didn’t even think I could do. The feeling of accomplishment that I would gain from each practice helped me learn to love the sport. Additionally, I was able to do so with such a great group of people.

Is there a professional athlete you look up to? If so, why?
I admire Michael Phelps because he was a very tough competitor and made an epic comeback.

What would you say is your biggest asset as an athlete?
My biggest asset as an athlete is my mental fortitude.

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?
My most memorable experience in high school sports was the sectional swim meet in Neenah during my junior year. This swim meet was so memorable because it is what a large portion of our team is working towards, and it felt good to be a part of the competitive group. Not only that, but all the hard work my teammates and I put in paid off during that meet.

How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)?
Looking back throughout high school, I really do believe that I’ve grown significantly not through just my swimming skills, but as a person, too. Through my swim, I’ve learned how to push through any challenge that I am presented with. I’ve found out how to not only use this in the pool, but in every other aspect of life. I find that I can complete daily tasks much easier than when I was a freshman.

Do you have any pre-meet rituals/routines/superstitions?
I will usually just try to listen to a song to get me ready. There’s no specific song, it’s just whatever can get me going.

Do you take any extra steps to prepare for a big match/game/meet, outside of regular practices?
I usually just try to keep myself properly conditioned for such a rigorous sport. I try to cross-train as much as I can, whether it’s running, weight training or calisthenics.

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to give a shout out to?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my high school swimming coach Jim Schilz, my club swim coach Connor Huff, and my former club coach Dave Korst. I’d also like to acknowledge everyone who has swam with me, we push each other every day.

Any hobbies outside of sports?
I enjoy traveling to new places and exploring nature.

Favorite song?
“Jojo” by Boz Scaggs.

Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade or water?
I drink Powerade for recovery and water during my workout.

Future Plans? (college, major, career, etc.)
I plan to pursue a career in the military with a focus on engineering.

Luka Azzolina, Bay Port High School, swimming, cross country, Nicolet National Bank, Senior Spotlight

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