By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent
Name: Chloe Brabant
Parents: Jason and Tara Brabant
Activity: Softball
Twitter: @chlobrabant
Chloe Brabant is a senior on the Ashwaubenon softball team.
The Jaguars went 23-6 last year and won a regional championship.
Brabant will be attending Winona St. University next year while pursuing a nursing degree.
What is your goal for the 2019 season?
“This year my goal is to win state with my teammates.”
How strategic is softball in a tight game?
“Softball can be very strategic, especially in a tight game. However, our coaches do a great job during practice to prepare us for every situation, so we are able to keep our composure and confidence during close games.”
Talk about being a first-team selection as a catcher as a junior on a very formidable Ashwaubenon squad.
“Being first team last year was a huge accomplishment for me. I give so much credit to my position coach, who is also my dad. He has always been incredibly supportive and always pushes me to be the best I can be. I was so excited and honored to share that moment with him.”
In addition to being a great defensive player, you batted over .400. Where does that come from?
“Last season I worked really hard on my mental game and stayed relaxed in the batter’s box, which ultimately led to a good offensive season.”
What is your most embarrassing moment in softball?
“Last summer, I thought I hit a home run, so I started doing the ‘home run jog’ when I realized the ball was actually foul.”
What has been your most memorable moment in softball?
“Winning regionals last season will always be one of the most memorable because it was a huge team win and such an exciting game.”
If you could be somebody for a day, who would it be?
“I would like to be a world traveler.”
Do you have a nickname?
“My teammates or friends sometimes call me ‘Chlo.’”
What three words describe you?
“Outgoing, loud, big-hearted.”
If you didn't play softball, what other sport do you think you could have excelled in?
“Basketball.”
How hard is it to catch a ball coming from the Jaguars' pitchers?
“Our pitchers are constantly tweaking their pitches or finding new ways to be the best they can be. Sometimes it’s challenging, but I always love the challenge the pitchers provide for me.”
Do you have plans to continue playing softball after high school?
“After high school, I’m going to focus on my academics and maybe play some intramurals while at college.”
What's the hardest part about playing softball?
“The hardest part about playing softball is definitely the mental aspect. There is so much knowledge that goes into playing softball. When you have a positive mindset and attitude, you receive good results.”
Talk about why Pioneer Park is so difficult for opponents to play in.
“Pioneer Park and Ashwaubenon softball have a huge reputation. The tradition of softball in Ashwaubenon goes back decades, so I think being an opponent and playing on a field that has so much history and heart can be intimidating.”
Talk about Coach VanLaanen and what he has meant to the program.
“Coach VanLaanen is a major reason Ashwaubenon softball is so successful. He invests a lot of his time during the season and during the offseason. Coach not only teaches us about the game of softball but also how to be better in life.”
Washington DC or New York City for a softball game?
“New York City.”
Cats or dogs?
“Dogs.”
Favorite summer activity?
“Anything outdoors.”
Sledding or skiing?
“Skiing.”
Favorites
Food: SweeTarts Chews
Subject: Science
Color: Pale yellow
TV show: "Friends"