Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight: Mercedes Matzke

Posted
Matzke
Matzke

Ashwaubenon High School, soccer

Parents’ names: Patrick Matzke and Michaela Geurts

Siblings: Kaia Matzke, Jase Geurts, Evera Geurts

Instagram: @cedesm10

Position or events: Goalkeeper

Career highlight: 155 saves for the season so far, 10th in WIAA saves leaders, captain for two seasons, played varsity goalie all four seasons of high school

At what age did you start playing your main sport?

Six years old.

Who introduced you to the sport?

I randomly asked my dad one day if I could play and he said yes.

Has this always been your favorite sport?

Yes, soccer was the thing I most looked forward to during my younger summers and even more so now that I’m older.

How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year?

Over the years I have been able to balance both academics and athletics a lot better by getting better at managing my time and getting my school work done right away.

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

My teammate’s support through the years has been a large reason as to why I kept with soccer for so long.

What would you say is your biggest asset on the field/court/ice?

My leadership skills and communication with my teammates lead us to success on the field.

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

My favorite memories are from the bus rides to away games jamming out to music in the back of the bus and saving a PK by doing the splits.

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

Right before the referee blows the whistle, I chant to myself “I’m faster than fast, quicker than quick! I’m Lightning! I am speed.” This is Lighting Mcqueen’s intro quote to the movie Cars and my favorite childhood movie as well. It gets me in the right headspace and boosts my confidence!

Do you take any extra steps to prepare for a big match/game/meet, outside of regular practices? 

I like to check the stats on the teams we are about to go up against to compare their matches to the team we have already played. It gives me a good idea of how they will play and I feel more prepared.

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

I’d like to give a thanks to my current coaches Emily Bangen and Dave Stroud for their help and motivation over the years. I couldn’t have done it without them!

Any hobbies outside of sports?

I play the clarinet for Ashwaubenon’s band. I’m on the bowling team and we made it to State this year! I enjoy my art classes and engineering classes at school. Also, I work at The Automobile Gallery and Event Center as an Administrative Assistant.

Favorite song?

“What’s Up Danger” by Blackway and Black Caviar.

Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade or water?

Cool Blue Gatorade is the best.

Future Plans? 

I will be attending UW-Milwaukee and I will be studying Architecture and Urban Planning.

Ashwaubenon, Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight, sports