Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Parents’ names: Katie Lemorande and Adam Lemorande
Siblings: Alayna Lemorande
Position or events: Small forward
Instagram: @melialemo
Tik tok: @m_lemonade
X: LemorandeMelia
Career Highlight: Freshmen scoring record: 253; most points scored in a game: 36; 1,000 point club and only played three years due to ACL tear; committed to Maryville University.

How did you get started playing your sport?
My dad played basketball in college and forced me to play when I was a kid and I hated it. He told me I had to try it for one more year and then I could quit if I wanted. That year, I had so much fun and fell in love with the sport, now it’s my favorite thing in the world.

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

The balance has always been fine. Keeping up with your work isn’t that hard as long as you’re dedicated to studies and sports. It hasn’t changed throughout the years really but I would say I study more now.

What is your favorite part of this sport?
The passion. The highs and lows and extreme emotions make the game something to be passionate about. The energy a single play can create can spark so much emotion, there’s nothing else like it.

What is the most challenging part of this sport?
The pressure to be consistent. When you have a certain role on a team, it is hard to consistently be up to par every game especially considering no one is perfect.

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?
Scoring my 1,000 points. When I tore my ACL my sophomore year, I wrote off ever accomplishing that because I thought I could never do it. Accomplishing that this year made me very emotional because I completed what I once thought was impossible.

Do you have a bucket list goal that pertains to your sport?
I have a goal to start as a freshmen in college and be able to help my team early on. I also want to break the scoring record at Bay Port.

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

I get Qdoba with a few teammates before the game. I always tie my left shoe first. If I play bad in a hairstyle I switch it and stop wearing it.

Dream vacation destination?
Italy.

Any quotes that help you in your sport or life in general?
Everything will be okay in the end, if it’s not okay it’s not the end.

Favorite food?
Seafood.

Random fun fact about you?
I haven’t slept on a normal pillow in years I only sleep on Squishmallows.

Any hobbies outside of your sport?

Lifting, thrifting, swimming, running.

Favorite movie/TV show?
Daddy’s Home and Stranger Things.

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to shout out?
My dad. My ‘day one’ Payton Dudra, trio of me, Olivia Williams and Kailynn Thompson.

Future Plans? (college, major, career, etc.)
I plan to attend Maryville University to major in biology with emphasis in pre-dentistry and attend dental school post-graduate.