Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Parents’ names: Aaron Bukoske and Sara Bukoske
Siblings: Austyn Bukoske
Position or events: I play pitcher and utility.
Instagram: @bukoskelillian
Twitter: @LillianBukoske

Career Highlight: Beating New London for the first time in my high school career my junior year.

At what age did you start playing your main sport?
I started playing baseball at five years old and after two years of baseball I switched to softball at age seven.

How did you get into the sport?
Like many other kids, I tried my hand at many different sports but softball/baseball always called my name. This is because I watched my brother play baseball and from a young age I looked up to my brother and wanted to be like him.

Has this always been your favorite sport?
Overall, I think softball has always been my favorite because, despite trying all other sports, I always found myself going back to softball.

How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year?
My freshman year during the softball season, I prominently focused on softball rather than school because I was so nervous for softball that I didn’t focus as much on school. But this year, I have tried focusing more on school because I’ve realized how important school is now that college is coming closer rather than just being focused on the softball season.

What or who inspired you to push yourself to be your best?

My most inspirational people have always been my parents. They are my rock in hard times. My parents always know when I can work myself harder and they call me out on it. Specifically my dad, who was my coach for my entire life. He always makes sure I am putting in the work to shape me into the best athlete I can be. Without my parents showing me what it is to work as hard as you can, I would never be where I am today.

How has your career as a student-athlete shaped you as a person?
Being a student-athlete has taught me how to multitask two very important aspects of my life and perform them to the best of my ability.

What would you say is your biggest asset as an athlete?
My biggest asset has been gaining a second family that pushes me to my physical limits, which is important for healthy life habits for the future because I know that I will be able to push my body to its physical limitations.

How do you stay motivated, especially in tough or stressful times?
My biggest motivators are my teammates because, without them, I doubt I would be anywhere close to where I am today. Whenever I have a bad game, they are the ones who pick me up, so when I think of what gets me motivated to come to a practice or games everyday, they are who I think of.

How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)?
As a person, over the years, I have seen how my hard work as a freshman in all aspects of my life has paid off to get to the point I am currently at. In softball specifically, as a freshman and sophomore I put in a significant amount of work, because I knew that if I was going to continue to play varsity that I needed to do all that I could to prove to my coach that I could do it. And now looking back as a senior, I am proud of my early high school me and all the hard work she put in.

What is your favorite part about being a student-athlete in your community?

My favorite part is that my community is one of the most supportive communities that I have seen and, no matter the sport, there is always support.

Do you take any extra steps to prepare for a big match/game/meet, outside of regular practices?
Most of the time before a big game I do extra reps outside of practice with my dad or I take some extra reps with my teammates after practice is done.

Favorite pregame song?
“I Look Good” by O.T. Genasis.

What do you like to eat/drink before a big game?
I normally don’t eat too much before a game but after a game my teammates and I love to eat Taco Bell.

Outside of sports, how do you spend your free time?
I spend most of my free time hanging out with my friends, reading, singing and spending time with my family.

What’s a fun fact about yourself that most people do not know?

When I was younger my dream job was to be an opera singer.

Future Plans? (college, major, career, etc.)
I plan to go to college at UW La Crosse and major in Psychology in hopes to become a school psychologist.