Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Parents’ names: Judy and Roger Yang
Siblings: Hailey Yang (24), Gavin Yang (20)
Position or events: Center midfielder
Instagram: @kaydanceyang
Career Highlight: Scoring the last PK in a sudden death match to go on to regional finals.

How did you get started playing your sport?
I grew up in a family where sports were a big thing; it was highly valued, not just for the physical aspect but for the mental aspect, too. My dad always said, “Apply your skills on and off the field.” To me, that meant it was more than just a sport — it’s bigger than soccer. I started playing soccer before I could ride a bike — it’s all I’ve ever known. There was never a day that went by where I questioned playing and I grew up with the greatest privilege of not knowing a life without soccer.

How has the balance between academics and athletics changed for you from freshman to senior year?
I will say, the balance hasn’t always been easy for me. However, my freshman year was a breeze. It didn’t feel like I was juggling my schedule at all, I had a very predictable routine and I stuck to that — it was easy. School for the first half of the day, then soccer, then when I got home I did my homework. But, when I got to junior year that’s when things started getting stressful. Growing up is great and all, until you start to carry more stuff on your plate and more responsibility. My routine was no longer predictable, and also very draining. I had a job, college to start planning for, various clubs, my sport and an active social life. Not to mention, school started getting harder with the more serious classes I began taking. Even though my junior year was tough, what kept me going was my motivation. My motivation to do better, be better and ultimately get through it to say that I actually did it. Sometimes your biggest accomplishment can be completion, that’s what I’ve learned throughout my student-athlete career.

What is your favorite part of this sport?

I’ve been playing soccer since before I could ride a bike, and with my many years of playing this sport, I’ve realized that I love playing, not just for the game, but for the experience. It’s not the goals, or praise that keeps me going — it’s the people, the friends I meet along the way and the person I have created with it. Every game, every practice and every season teaches me new things and I obtain new experiences on which to reflect. To quote myself, “It’s bigger than soccer.” I truly mean it’s not just about the sport and it’s not just about what I do on the field, but how I apply my skills to everyday life. That’s what I love — the lessons it’s taught me.

What is the most challenging part of this sport?
The real challenge for me is digging deep through all of the mental blocks and burn out, remembering who I am and why I love this sport. I don’t want to be the person who skips out on practice, or is late to school on a game day just because I can’t find the motivation. I’ve always found it hard to push through difficult situations. I might be able to make it through, but I don’t always make it out the same person. I need to remind myself of the person I am and the person I want to be. And that can be hard sometimes, especially factoring in outside distractions. Sometimes I find that I lose myself in all the stress and pressure. I lose my core values and morals. I need to remind myself of the passion that I have. I need to remember that I get to be a student-athlete, and that I have this privilege. It is hard to remember that though when you feel burnt out and the only thing you want is a break.

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?
The people. There isn’t really a deeper level or a more complex answer. My most memorable experiences are the ones I create with my team. I may forget a move I made in a game, or not remember every goal or assist I had, but one thing’s for sure, I will remember the people around me. I’ll remember how fun it was to laugh during practice, to chat and catch up and talk about our school days during warmup. I’ll remember faces, voices, inside jokes. Those are the memories I’ll cherish forever. Soccer won’t matter to me when I’m old and can no longer kick a soccer ball, won’t matter to me in the physical way anyhow, but it’ll matter in the good memories I hold. Soccer is part of my girlhood. I’ve created real and raw relationships with each individual player I’ve ever stepped on a field with, even if they’re on the opposing team. I won’t remember every game of mine, but I am confident enough to say I’ll remember every teammate of mine.

Do you have a bucket list goal that pertains to your sport?
I would honestly say no. I don’t have a goal list written, or mentally created. The only real thing I am positive that I want accomplished is my legacy. It’s important to me how I’m remembered. I want to be known as a great person. When new freshmen join and they hear my name, I want them to associate me as being a caring teammate, a humble captain and a dependable friend. I want to make a mark so that I feel satisfied with myself, because who is a person if not memories? It is my goal to make sure my hard work was for a purpose, and not just effort wasted.

Do you have any pre-game rituals/routines/superstitions?
I always have to listen to music — it doesn’t matter the genre or playlist, it just has to be good music. I listen while I braid my hair, eat a quick snack or even stretch. It’s like a meditation to get into the zone.

Dream vacation destination?

A trip across Europe.

Favorite food?
Sushi!

Random fun fact about you?
I’m a Slytherin!

Any hobbies outside of your sport?
Reading and writing.

Favorite movie/TV show?
Harry Potter or The Hunger Games.

Looking forward to most about graduating?

Living outside of Green Bay and getting to experience true independence and freedom.

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to shout out?
I’d like to shout out my favorite coach, my dad Roger Yang, for being there with me every step of my athletic career. My dad has been the one training me on my off days and off seasons, making sure I am the best athlete I can be. My dad is the one who taught me that it’s not just about the skills that make you a great player, but about the passion as well. My dad has never made me feel like I couldn’t do something. In fact, he was the one always encouraging me to accomplish more than what I was shooting for. My dad’s ambition was somewhat stressful as a child. He was hard on me as a coach growing up because he knew no one else would care as much as he did when I got older, and that’s something I truly appreciate now that I’ve matured. He’s made me stronger and more independent as an athlete. He taught me to be hard on myself and to keep myself accountable. Because of that, I know my physical and mental capabilities.

Future Plans? (college, major, career, etc.)
I plan to attend UW-Milwaukee, majoring in public relations and strategic communications, minoring in media management.