Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Siblings: Nicholas Homa

Position or events: Girls Varsity Cross Country (captain), the race is a 5k. Girls Varsity Soccer (captain), Striker and outside midfielder.

Instagram: @abigail_homa05

Career Highlight: Some of my favorite career highlights include scoring my first soccer goal against Shawano during my freshman year, being named captain of the soccer team, and running my personal record at the Cross Country Conference meet held at UW-Green Bay’s course, hosted by De Pere, during my sophomore season.

How did you get started playing your sport?

I was a shy kid from the very beginning, so one summer, to help me make more friends and come out of my shell, my parents encouraged me to join one of Ashwaubenon’s rec sports—either soccer or softball. I chose soccer because I knew it involved a lot of running, and even though I was shy, I had a ton of energy.

Cross country came into the picture a little differently when I was in middle school. Around that time, I joined club soccer with the Wisconsin United FC team. That experience exposed me to stronger players and a more competitive environment. To keep up with the intensity and improve my endurance, I decided to join my middle school’s cross country team. In the end, I fell in love with running even more than I already had—and I met some amazing people along the way that influenced me to continue running in high school.

How has the balance between academics and athletics changed for you from freshman to senior year?

To be honest, as I got further into high school and became more involved in extracurriculars like DECA, Student Council, and Hope Squad, things started to get more challenging—especially when I began taking harder classes, including some college credit courses. However, with support from my teachers, parents, and teammates, I learned how to manage my time and stay organized. That helped me stay on top of my work and complete my assignments successfully.

What is your favorite part about this sport? What is the most challenging part about this sport?

My favorite thing about soccer is getting to work with the girls on the team. Every year, our team is dedicated and committed all year round. We attend open gyms, lift weights and play in an indoor soccer league. No matter what we’re doing to prepare for the season, we’re doing it together and working hard to reach our goals.

Like I mentioned earlier, cross country is a little different. Even though soccer is more of a team sport, cross country feels more like a family. We might run at different times or be on different teams — JV or Varsity — but at the end of the day, we’re always cheering each other on and being supportive. For example, we regularly go to Culver’s together and take annual camping trips as a team. So, my favorite thing about cross country is the strong sense of family and the support we give each other.

Where is your favorite place you’ve travelled for your sport?

My favorite place I’ve traveled for sports would honestly be the Wisconsin State Cross Country meet during my sophomore year. Only one runner from our boys team qualified, but even so, about thirty of us made the four-hour drive to cheer him on. We made signs, bundled up in layers because it was freezing, and showed just how dedicated and close we are as a team.

For soccer, my favorite trip was to Manitowoc. It wasn’t really about the destination—it was the bus ride that made it so memorable. My teammates and I blasted music (much to our coach’s dismay), braided each other’s hair, and laughed more times than we ever thought we could.

Is there a professional athlete you look up to? If so, why?

Honestly I have so much respect for any athlete that competes. I don’t have a specific person I look up to because I am influenced by so many.

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

That’s a hard question because so much has happened over the past few years, but one of my favorite memories happened during my junior year. Our girls’ soccer team was playing against our rival, Southwest. The first half was really back and forth, but in the second half, we started to pull ahead. I scored two goals, and one of my teammates — who had been recovering from an ACL injury — scored on a beautiful penalty kick. The joy in that moment wasn’t just on the sidelines or in the crowd, but between all of us on the field. It was so heartwarming and unforgettable — nothing else can quite match it.

Do you have a bucket list goal that pertains to your sport?

With it being my senior year I just want to do my personal best in each sport that means running my fastest 5k time and having a higher winning average with my soccer team.

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

I think it’s crazy — I’m honestly still in shock at how fast time has gone by. But I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished during my time at Ashwaubenon. I started as a scared freshman, and now I’m a more confident, loyal, and responsible senior who still has so much more to give to my school and my community.

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

For soccer, I’m not sure if it’s a ritual or just an addiction, but before games, I always go to Starbucks and get a Strawberry Açaí Refresher with one of my teammates. In addition to that, I listen to country music and give my teammates an off-key concert on the way to the game.

For cross country, it’s a bit different. My teammates and I walk the course together before the race to talk strategy or relive memories from the last time we ran it.

Do you have a mantra/motivational quote/bible verse that helps you with your sport?

“Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you” - 1 Peter 5:7.

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

Shoutout to Cal Kromn and Lizzie Wichlacz for not only helping me learn how to properly race and train but also for giving me the confidence to lead the team and excel in a sport I was once hesitant about.

I also want to thank my past and present soccer coaches: Drew Rhodes, who taught me the basics of soccer; Emily Bangen, who showed me the importance of good sportsmanship; and Dave Stroud, who emphasized the value of leadership and ownership.

Additionally, I’m grateful to my very first coach — my dad, Ryan Homa — who taught me the three rules of any sport: “Have fun, have fun, and be aggressive.”
Lastly, I’ve had many teammates who’ve left a mark on me, but one who stands out the most is Aurora Sommermyer. She was honest with me when no one else was and taught me the true meaning of respect and integrity.

Any hobbies outside of sports?

This might not count as a hobby, but I really love spending time with my friends and family. Whether it’s watching The Price is Right with my grandma or going to country concerts with my friends and cousins, I just enjoy quality time with the people I care about.

As for actual hobbies, I love watching blockbuster movies, playing the volleyball game Nuke’em, and relaxing by a fire while snacking.

What is the top song on your workout/warmup playlist?

My soccer teammates always make fun of me but my top song during a workout would be either fishing in the dark by the Nitty Gritty Band.

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

My future plans would be attending a four year college to become a nurse. After college I hope to join a travel nurse agency to care for people all over the world.