Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Siblings: Three brothers- Emmett (19), Grant (14), Rex (10)

Position or events: Captain and #1 singles player since freshman year

Instagram: @lucy__lawton
Facebook: @lucy.lawton

Career Highlight: Qualifying for individual State Tournament three times and the team State Tournament twice. This year, I won my first match then I lost in two close tie breakers to the 12 seed. I expect to play Neenah this weekend at team State.

At what age did you start playing tennis?
Four years old.

Who introduced you to the sport?
My mom played D1 tennis and introduced it to me at a young age.

Has this always been your favorite sport?
YES. Growing up, I was in every sport imaginable (soccer, basketball, softball), but nothing ever compared to tennis.

How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year?
Balancing academics and athletics is always difficult. As a freshman on varsity, I could not seem to be able to play everyday and get my homework done. It caused me to begin highschool with a lower GPA than I had hoped for. I have learned since then and now, even as a full International Baccalaureate candidate, I know how to separate my time for academics and my time for school to be successful in both. I now have raised my GPA and am top 20 in class.

What is your favorite part about tennis? What about it has caused you to stick with it for this long?
My favorite part about tennis is the feeling after winning a long match. That feeling makes me feel like all of the hours of practice and work I have put into tennis was worth it, and makes me only want to work harder. I have continued to stick with tennis because, besides for how much I love it, I have not reached a point where there is no more room for improvement.

Is there a professional athlete you look up to?
Venus Williams. Despite her outstanding success, she has always carried herself in such a positive and humble way both on and off the court.

What would you say is your biggest asset on the court?
My forehand.

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?
The most memorable experience in high school tennis would be my freshman year when my coach (Sommer May) told me that I would be playing #1 singles. This is so memorable because it made all of the years of playing worth it. My friends and family all made it a big deal and were so happy for me.

How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)?
When I compare myself to how I was as a freshman, I feel accomplished and happy with the things that have changed..As an athlete, my growth is apparent by my record and the matches I win. In my senior season at #1 singles, I have practically doubled the amount since my freshman season at #1 singles. As a person, I have become so much more outgoing and positive.

Do you have any pre-match rituals/routines/superstitions?
Before every match, I listen to music and stretch to put myself into “game mode.” I tell myself that I need to be wearing my visor if I want to win (even if I play inside).

Do you take any extra steps to prepare for a big match/game/meet, outside of regular?
Other than consuming extra electrolytes, I try to stick to my normal routine to avoid extra nerves about the upcoming match.

What has been your favorite experience with being a senior this year?
My favorite experience as a senior has been becoming friends with people that I never would have expected, especially underclassmen on the tennis team.

What are the top three songs on your workout/warmup playlist?
“All The Stars” (Kendrick Lamar, SZA), “Unwritten” (Natasha Bedingfield), “Perfect Places” (Lorde)

Any hobbies outside of sports?
I am captain of the trap team, I work at Bona Fide and I started an organization called The Tennis Locker where I teach kids who cannot afford to play tennis for free.

Favorite movie?
The Notebook

Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade or water?
Every match I will bring two waters and one gatorade on the court.

Future Plans? (college, major, career, etc.)
Undecided on school/career, but I plan to major in biology.