Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Parents’ names: My dad’s name is Don Fenlon and my mom’s name is Jennifer Neshek.
Siblings: I have a sister and two half brothers. I also had a younger brother, but he passed away at two years old to cancer.
Position or events: I play cornerback mainly and wide receiver. For track I run both 110m and 300m hurdles as well as a few relays every now and then.
Instagram: @kaydenfenlon3
X (formerly Twitter): fenlon_kayden

Career Highlight: During my senior season in Week 3 against Sheboygan South, I hauled in 4 catches for 128 yards and a TD, as well as returning a kickoff 82 yards for another TD.

At what age did you start playing your main sport?
I started playing football in fifth grade for the Allouez Buccaneers.

Who introduced you to the sport?
I started watching football around third grade on TV and gained interest, eventually leading to me want to try it out.

Has this always been your favorite sport?
Yes football has always been my favorite sport.

How have you balanced the time commitment between sports, school and your personal life?

Have there been any difficulties finding that balance?
Personally, I like to create routines, prioritize important tasks and set realistic goals to achieve for balancing school life to my home life.

How has your high school experience shaped you as both an athlete and a person?
My highschool experience was really centered around my athletic programs, such as football and track. I’d say school shaped me into being a disciplined person. I had to be disciplined to balance and stay on top of my school work, job and sports life. It taught me how to set goals and work hard until they are completed. It translates now to my everyday life by adding consistent effort and a strong work ethic in everything that I do.

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?
During the game against Manitowoc Lincoln this year it was a very competitive game and the score was 14-14 in the 4th quarter. As Lincoln was driving down the field, and they threw it my way and I made a play on the ball to get an interception. I gave my team a chance to score and win the game but we ultimately got stopped and ended up giving them a chance to put up points. They got to around the 50 yard line and tried to run a screen. I got around the receiver blocking me and ended up getting a 2nd interception that ended up giving us a game winning field goal.

What has been the toughest game or competition you’ve ever been a part of, and what did you learn from it?

My sophomore year of high school, I was playing on varsity, and it was homecoming week versus our rivals, the West Wildcats. It was a very tough defensive game where we came out on top 8-6, and I assisted in the stop on their two-point conversion attempt to seal the game. This game taught me that teamwork and resilience are important in sports. Without the help of my teammate on the two-point conversion, the game could’ve gone a completely different way, and the resilience to stay with the game and keep fighting through the challenge paid off by us getting the win.

How do you deal with the pressure of competition, especially before or during big games?
I focus on the things that I can control, such as my effort, mindset and preparation. I feel as if the pressure is earned, and I love it. I want to compete; it’s in my nature. But I also never forget to remind myself to just enjoy the game and have fun. That definitely helps take some of the pressure off so I can go out there and perform at my best.

How do you unwind or recover after an intense game or practice?
After an intense game/practice I typically stretch to help relax my muscles. Then I eat a meal and take a cold shower. After that, I just lay down and chill while listening to some music.

Who has been your biggest influence in sports, and why?
Easy, Micheal Jordan. I love his relentless work ethic and crazy athleticism and his unchallenged dominance in his era will forever influence me as a person.

How do you spend your free time outside of sports?
In my free time I like to deer hunt, hangout with my friends and go to my cabin on the weekends.

Favorite song?

My favorite song changes every day but as of now it’s probably “Under Ground Kings” by Drake.

Favorite beverage to drink at school/practice/game?
Blue Gatorade is usually my go to.

What goals do you still want to accomplish before you graduate, either academically or athletically?
Since the football season is over I want to make state for hurdles to end my high school athletic career and then prepare for college.

What is something your coach or sport has taught you that you will carry with you forever?
Something I struggled with heavily throughout my high school career was my mentality. Football has taught me that even if I make a mistake I can learn from it and come back better.

Future Plans? (college, major, career, etc.)
I plan on attending the UW-Whitewater for football and I’m undecided as of now.