Eli Erickson, Three Lakes boys basketball

The Senior Spotlight series will highlight the senior athletes in the area around the communities of Eagle River, Three Lakes and Phelps. Three Lakes basketball athlete Eli Erickson is next in the spotlight. 

Erickson has played basketball since first grade and has always said it was the sport that came most naturally to him. He is one of a handful of seniors on the boys basketball team this year and is buying into the leadership role for his final season. Here is more on the Three Lakes senior: 

Is there a nickname that your friends or family call you?

“I don’t have a true nickname, but on my dad’s side, my nickname has been YY, which I got from my nephew. My teammates sometimes call me E.” 

When did you get into basketball?

“I grew up playing the game. My first year playing was probably in first grade. I didn’t actually start taking it seriously until my eighth-grade year. Since then, there have been ups and downs, but I feel like I’m on an upswing. I got into the game because I liked watching NBA players. It also was a sport that came naturally to me.”

As a leader on the court, what is an individual goal for this year? 

“Being one of a handful of seniors on a younger team comes with a definite leadership role. Individually I don’t have any stat goal that I’m looking for. I’m more concentrated on building up the younger kids on the team. That consists of encouragement and praise for the younger guys for learning and putting the work in.”

Who is your biggest role model?

“My biggest role model is my grandma. She has a very pure heart and would do anything for anyone. She has shaped me into the person I am today. She always has the best advice.”

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?

“I work at a summer camp where all the counselors are from all over the world. I’ve made some pretty good friends with people in Sweden, Turkey, Britain, and all over Europe. So, I’d love to visit them in their home countries and experience some new cultures.”

Do you see yourself playing a sport in college?

“If I were to play a sport in college it would be basketball. I think I’ll play intramural basketball just for fun and to keep up with the game and stay in shape.”

What are your plans after high school?

“I’ve been accepted to a few colleges but I think I will further my academics with UW-Green Bay in the business administration program that they have. I still have a lot to figure out, but I’m looking forward to what comes.”