Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Parents’ names: David Dougherty, Kelly Dougherty
Siblings: Abby Beelen
Position or events: Goalkeeper
Instagram: @david.dougherty1

How did you get started playing your sport?

When I was born, my sister was a lot older than me. She played soccer when I was growing up, which inspired me to play.

How has the balance between academics and athletics changed for you from freshman to senior year?

From freshman year to senior, year the jump in academics has been tough. Each year I had to find more time to put into school, from freshman year barely having any homework or studying to senior year having to write essays and study for many tests.

What is your favorite part of this sport? What is the most challenging part of this sport?

My favorite part of soccer is competition. I love to play against other good competition; not only because it makes me a better player, but also because it is very fun. The most challenging part of soccer is consistency and always being accountable for mistakes made. Then when that mistake is made, trying very hard to fix it.

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?

My most memorable experience in high school soccer is traveling on the bus with my team. The memories we made will stick with me forever, whether it’s playing games on our phones together or eating subs before the game.

Do you have a bucket list goal that pertains to your sport?

Next year, I am going to the University of Nebraska-Omaha to play Division I soccer. My goal for next year is to work my way up to the starting position.

How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)?

As a senior looking back on freshman year, I have matured a lot. Not only in soccer, but life in general. It’s crazy to think that four years ago I was that new shy freshman trying out for the soccer team not knowing what the future held. Throughout the years, soccer has taught me to put 100% effort into everything, which has helped me a lot in school and in sports.

Do you have any pre-game rituals/routines/superstitions?

My routine before every game is to set my water bottle down by the goal and say a little prayer before the game starts, following that with jumping up and punching the cross bar.

Dream vacation destination?

My dream vacation destination is Hawaii because it looks really cool and I want to see the volcanoes.

Any quotes that help you in your sport or life in general?

A quote that really stuck with me is, ”Early is on time, on time is late, late is unacceptable.” I first heard this quote my freshman year at tryouts from my coach, Travis Herber.

Favorite food?

My favorite food is Jersey Mikes.

Random fun fact about you?

A random fun fact about me is that I am an uncle to an niece and a nephew. Annabelle Beelen and Miles Beelen.

Any hobbies outside of your sport?

Some hobbies outside my sport that I like are golfing and snowboarding.

Favorite movie/TV show?

My favorite movie is Whiplash and my favorite TV show is Dexter.

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to shout out?

A memorable coach that I had is Patrick Birder. He was my first coach who was super hard on us. He left behind a good environment in competition not only for myself but for my entire team.

Future Plans? (college, major, career, etc.)

My plan for the future is attend University of Nebraska-Omaha for soccer and major in business.