Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Parents’ names: Jake & Trisha VanDeHei

Siblings: Brother- Grant VanDeHei (sophomore)

Position or events: Soccer-Freshman: Center Defender, Sophomore-Senior: Forward/Central Midfielder
Volleyball- Sophomore/Junior: Right Side Hitter, Senior: Outside Hitter

Instagram: @marissa.vandehei

Twitter: @MarissaVanDeHei

Career Highlight: Being the Bay Conference Player of the Year my sophomore and junior year was extremely rewarding. Every year I also keep surpassing my goals per season, which also makes me happy.

At what age did you start playing your main sport?
I started playing recreational soccer when I was four years old, and began club soccer when I was 11. Needless to say, soccer has been my whole life!

Who introduced you to the sport?
My dad, uncles and grandpa were always heavily involved in soccer, and they always nudged me towards the sport. I’m extremely thankful for their love of the sport, as it has grown on me as well.

Has this always been your favorite sport?
I have played soccer for the majority of my life and it will always hold a special place in my heart, but I have truly enjoyed my time playing volleyball as well. I like them for different reasons, so it’s hard to pick a favorite. But if I had to choose, soccer has probably always been my number one.

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

The workload from freshman to senior year has definitely increased, making it crucial for me to find time in between sports to do my schoolwork. I take multiple rigorous courses, so at times it’s hard coming home at 9:00, even 10:00 at night, and having to do homework, but I manage. You have to find what works for you and stick to it.

What is your favorite part about this sport? What about it has caused you to stick with it for this long?
I love the creativity of soccer. It’s a sport you kind of have to make up as you play. It’s unpredictable, but that’s what makes it fun for me. You’re constantly having to think about what is going to happen next and what you’re going to do about it. Yes, you can practice set plays and all, but the majority of the game is made up of little decisions the players get to make.

Is there a professional athlete you look up to? If so, why?
I really like Michael Jordan. I have watched a lot of documentaries about him and the Chicago Bulls. His mentality and drive to be the best is inspiring whether you play sports or not. He is an insane athlete.

What would you say is your biggest asset as an athlete?
My biggest asset is probably my friendliness. I think I’m pretty easy to get along with and I enjoy being the person people can come to when they’re struggling with a drill, skill, or any other issue. I often lead by example, but am always willing to explain something in further detail if necessary.

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?
Making it to the sectional-final game in soccer my sophomore year. We lost, but it was the farthest any women’s soccer team has made it in West De Pere history.

How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)?

First of all, it’s crazy to believe that I am a senior. The four years have flown by so fast. I’m overall proud of who I have become as a student and an athlete. I think I’ve done my job to make myself and the people around me proud.

Do you have any pre-meet rituals/routines/superstitions?
My superstitions/rituals change yearly. Last year, my game day hair always had to be two mini braids on the top of my head into a ponytail. I also had to listen to the song, “My Way” by Frank Sinatra before we left the locker room.

Do you take any extra steps to prepare for a big match/game/meet, outside of regular practices?
I’m usually watching film on the other team, trying to pick out tendencies or study their set-plays. My old high school soccer coach also used to tell us to have “clear pee before 3:00” on game days to ensure we were hydrated.

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to give a shout out to?
Since I’m born on the later side of 2006, I always played club soccer alongside girls a grade older than me. They always pushed me to be better and gave me great advice for my future. I had so much fun with them and want to acknowledge them for my success.

Any hobbies outside of sports?
I enjoy reading, doing word searches, listening to podcasts, playing Mario Kart, and working as a Parkee in the summer.

Favorite song?

Drops of Jupiter by Train.

Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade or water?

I love the Gatorlyte Kiwi Strawberry flavor for a post-game drink. It’s a great hydrator, but also just tastes delicious.

Future Plans? (college, major, career, etc.)

After high school I am attending the University of Minnesota-Duluth to study chemical engineering and play soccer. I’m hoping to work in a nuclear plant where I will work to find more efficient ways to use energy.