Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Siblings: Ben Lai (8) and Adam Lai (5)

Position or events: Soccer Midfielder (Center Defensive Mid), 1 Doubles

Instagram: @ryan.boan.lai

Career Highlight: My career highlight has been earning varsity letters in both soccer and tennis. In soccer, playing three years on varsity and competing against some of the top FRCC teams has pushed me to grow as a player and a leader. In tennis, playing four years on varsity has challenged me to improve my skills and support my team in every match. Being able to contribute to both programs and build those experiences has been one of the most rewarding parts of high school sports.

How did you get started playing your sport?

I started playing high school soccer after my really good friends Akshath and Bryan told me it would be a fun and exciting way to spend my fall. After my first time playing, I was hooked. I couldn’t stop and have been playing until now, in my senior year.

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

When I was a freshman, I had easy classes and could spend as much time as I wanted training for sports. I did not need to pay attention to my time and did not need to use time management. However, as I grew older, my classes got harder and harder, with more homework as well. This caused me not to have as much time to train, forcing me to use effective time management skills to balance schoolwork while also having time to play and get better at soccer.

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

My favorite part of soccer is the teamwork involved in every single game. I joined soccer to play with friends, and it was the perfect sport to work on teamwork and bond as teammates and friends. I especially love it when I hit a long cross to a teammate close to the goal. On the other hand, the most challenging part about soccer is also part of teamwork, specifically game sense. To play soccer effectively, you must have really good game sense to pass the ball to your teammates effectively. Being able to hit the right pass at the right time is very difficult but one of the most important things in the sport.

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

My favorite place I have traveled to for soccer is most definitely the UW-Green Bay soccer field. In my sophomore year, we played a match on the UW-Green Bay soccer field. It was one of the best fields I have ever played on, and the atmosphere of a Division 1 school was very overwhelming. To this day, that is still one of my favorite matches, and I hope to play on such a field again.

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

My favorite professional athlete is Shohei Ohtani because he can do everything in his sport and is one of the greatest players ever. He also represents Asian athletes in a global sport, which means a lot to me.

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

This may seem like a small moment, but I’ll always remember going to Denny’s after soccer games. Each year I’ve played, it has turned into a tradition to go there and celebrate. Every time, just enjoying those little moments with friends has been one of my favorite parts of high school sports.

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

One of my bucket list goals is to help Ashwaubenon win a conference championship. Playing varsity these past two years has shown me how much work it takes to compete with the best teams in the FRCC, and every season I’ve pushed myself to grow as a player and as a teammate. Reaching that goal wouldn’t just be about a trophy. It would show how far I’ve come and how much effort I’ve put into the sport I love.

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

As a senior, I feel proud of myself when I look back and see my growth as a person and athlete. I went from not being involved with anything at the start of freshman year to becoming almost obsessed with sports and clubs now. I believe that these experiences have made me a better person overall, from gaining leadership skills to becoming a better friend to others. I am really glad that I am where I am now.

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

Before every match, I always do a couple of calf raises to pump myself up (quite literally).

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

“It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” -Vince Lombardi

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

I would like to shout out my soccer coach, Zach Jakel. He is the person who made me love soccer and has coached me all throughout high school. Coach Jakel makes practices super enjoyable with his sense of humor and unwavering determination to help us win.

I would also like to thank my captain, Carter Nitke, for leading the team and being someone I can always count on.

I also have to talk about my best friend, Akshath Yadawad. He has been my teammate and companion since freshman year. Throughout all my sports and clubs, he is always the first person that I look to — a dedicated and unwavering friend that I know will always be there for the rest of my life.

Any hobbies outside of sports?

Outside of sports, I play a lot of piano and am involved in a lot of clubs at the school. I have played piano for almost 13 years and love spending time with music. I am also the president of our high school’s DECA chapter this year, making it one of my biggest passions.

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

The top song in my workout playlist is Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N’ Roses. This song is always played at the start of every game and reminds me of who I am and the school I represent.

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

In the future, I plan on going to a four-year university for some type of engineering. I hope to become an engineer one day and design new things in our world!