Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Parents’ names: Craig and Andrea DeCleene
Siblings: Braylon (16)
Position or events: Wing
Social media: @BryceDecleene

Career Highlight: Even though I was injured and I couldn’t play that game, it was definitely when we beat De Pere. The gym was packed and it got loud. It was something my grade had never accomplished so it made it all the more special.

How did you get started playing your sport(s)? I’ve been playing basketball from a young age. How I got started is something I never took the time to think about. I’ve been shooting at a mini hoop since I could walk according to my dad. During this time the love of the game just festered into what it is today.

How has the balance between academics and athletics changed for you from freshman to senior year?
I’d say I’ve kept it pretty consistent all the way throughout. Academics have always come over sports in my family. Getting good grades has always been super important. This year it changed a little more due to the college credit courses I was taking, but I still stayed locked in.

What is your favorite part of this sport?

Being able to get those life long memories/life lessons. The last firsts and the first lasts. The celebration after a close game. The despair of a loss you may have been prepping all week for. The adversity that is learned. The hard work that gets put in, seen, and unseen. That’s what makes basketball, basketball.

What is the most challenging part of this sport?
Having to face the fact that sometimes the hard work may not pay off, but you still need to bounce back and keep putting it in.

Do you have a bucket list goal that pertains to your sport?
By the time I am a senior in college I hope that we (Marian) can make a run at the NCAA Division 3 National Championship.

Do you have any pre-game rituals/routines/superstitions?
I always need to eat something that won’t end up impacting my stomach. So I’ll usually eat something as simple as chicken and pasta, or a sub from Jimmy John’s.

Dream vacation destination?
Rome. I am a pretty big history buff, so being able to sight see around the city would be super cool.

Favorite food?

Either Tacos or Pizza.

Random fun fact about you?
I broke my finger doing shell drill in AAU practice.

Any hobbies outside of your sport?
Weightlifting, hanging out with friends and family, reading.

Favorite movie/TV show?
Hoosiers.

Any summer plans before going off to college/work?
I am working at the Driveway in Hobart this summer. I’ll be heading down to Marian a lot to shoot and lift. I want to spend as much time with friends and family as humanly possible before I head off.

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

Coaches Hoffman and Borowicz from WDP. My Blizzard coaches from AAU (Dvorak, Lamers, Werner, Mr Jeason Thomas). I would also like to shout out the 16U Werner and 17U Lamers boys for making AAU one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I would like to thank all of my teammates at WDP from all 4 years and prior. Finally I would like to thank Coach Diener and Coach Jones at Marian for giving me the opportunity to play basketball at the next level.

Future Plans? (college, major, career, etc.)
I will be attending Marian University in Fond Du Lac. I will be majoring in Broadfield Social Studies Education on a middle-secondary level. I plan on becoming a High School History teacher. I plan on going for my masters right away. I have also thought about one day becoming a Principal or Athletic Director. Time will tell.