Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Melanie Stauffer is one of two seniors on the Three Lakes-Phelps boys and girls cross country teams this season. Stauffer hopes to push herself at the meets while also having fun during her last high school sports year. When she’s not playing sports, you can find her reading, lifting, out in nature with friends, in the kitchen trying new recipes, among other things. Here is more on the senior runner:

Do you have a nickname that your friends or family call you?
“A lot of friends call me Mel because it is short and fun. Also, my friends love coming up with new nicknames for me, so I have many of them.”

Do you do any other sport besides cross country?
“I love playing soccer. I play on my school team in the spring, but I like to play whenever I can.”

Is there a personal goal you want in running this year?
“My personal goal this year is to push my limits and have fun as a senior. I want to give my all at every meet.”

What other hobbies do you have outside of sports?
“I love reading, lifting, playing piano, and canoeing, and going on adventures in nature with my friends. I also enjoy experimenting with recipes in the kitchen.”

Favorite vacation spot that you’ve been to?

“My favorite vacation spot is the U.P. Even though it is close, there are so many cool trails and spots to discover.”

Do you have a pre-race ritual that helps you before meets?
“I always pray and listen to music to get in a good headspace before a race. Every time I run, I have a song playing in my head.”

Do you have any plans for after high school? College?
“After high school, I plan to attend college and major in a STEM field. I want to continue to play soccer in college on club and intramural teams.”