Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Parents’ names: Jordan and Katie Sullivan
Siblings: Two younger brothers: Brendan and Asher
Position or events: I played wide receiver in football, guard in basketball, and run the 200M and 400M for track.
Instagram: @Gavinjsullivan25

Career Highlight: Second Team All-Conference for football, set school record for longest reception in a game, while also being top 5 in career and season yards, Honorable Mention All-Conference for basketball, part of qualifying State team for track & field two times.

How did you get started playing your sport?
I got started playing organized basketball in second grade. I was always a pretty active kid who just loved being competitive and doing anything that let me unleash that. My dad was a basketball guy. He played all four years during his time at Preble. He inspired my love for the game, and pushed me to put my all into this sport that I eventually fell in love with over time. I always played football growing up. I had natural ability to play and was happy to become an All-Conference player my senior year. I was encouraged to join the track team from several coaches at Preble to showcase my athleticism they saw from Football and Basketball.

How has the balance between academics and athletics changed for you from freshman to senior year?
My parents have instilled in me that academics always comes first, before athletics. It is a very hard balance especially as you progress through high school. School gets more challenging, but you also become more emotionally invested in varsity sports. I always knew that if my academics weren’t in check I didn’t get to perform in sports. That standard allowed me to make sure I always kept my priorities in a spot where I could perform well academically and athletically.

What is your favorite part of this sport?
Basketball is truly 70-80% mental in my opinion — at least at the high school level. I’ve seen kids with all the talent in the world flunk out of this game. Basketball rewards people who watch the game, work extremely hard and hustle. So for me, it really pushes me to be confident, prepared and learn you get out what you put in. This translates to all aspects of life.

What is the most challenging part of this sport?
Being able to sit with the fact that you possibly underperformed, or played bad. After accepting that, moving on and improving. I would also say control what you can control. Basketball is a team game; you can’t will a game to go your way. It is more about the collective than the individual.

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

During our Silent Night game this year against Southwest, I got to share the floor with my best friend Adam Sweeney. Adam is the heart of the team, but doesn’t get many minutes. He is always positive, and everyone loves him. At the beginning of the second half, he started the game out with the starters. I got on a fast break and I threw a lob to my other teammate, Nick Howard, and Adam came out of nowhere and grabbed it out of the air and scored. Honestly this was the loudest I’ve heard it at our gym. This was definitely the coolest moment of my high school career.

Do you have a bucket list goal that pertains to your sport?
To become an All-Conference player in multiple sports, embracing a leadership role in all sports.

Do you have any pre-game rituals/routines/superstitions?
I never listen to music before games. I feel like it disconnects me from the moment, and I like to be present and visualizing the game before it happens.

Dream vacation destination?
Italy.

Favorite food?
Pizza.

Random fun fact about you?

I have watched every episode of The Office like six times.

Any hobbies outside of your sport?
Pretty much anything competitive,I play golf for fun. I watch advanced NBA film breakdowns at least once every day. I love listening to music and podcasts in the car.

Favorite movie/TV show?
The Office (clearly).

Looking forward to most about graduating?
To begin the first chapter of my adult life, becoming more independent, taking risks and challenging myself in multiple ways.

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to shout out?
I would like to shout out Chris Harris. He sadly passed away back in November of 2024. He was my AAU coach for several years. He was stern when needed, but I knew he trusted me, and he sparked another level of love of basketball for me.

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

I plan on going to UW-LaCrosse, to major in finance.