Athlete Profile: Carleigh Kaczmarek
The Gillett Secondary School girls basketball team has high hopes for the winter season. They are returning several key players from a team that placed second in the Marinette & Oconto Conference last winter. Senior Carleigh Kaczmarek is one of those players, and she’s ready to lead the team this year.
Kaczmarek led the squad in scoring a season ago and made the all-conference first team for her all-around play. She averaged 12.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.9 steals per game.
The senior also is a long-distance runner, competing for the cross-country and track and field teams for the Tigers.
Q: When did your interest in basketball begin?
A: From the minute I was born. My dad (Mike) has been a basketball coach since I can remember. The gym was practically my second home; I was always in it. I always begged to go to the gym and go to practices with him. I constantly had a basketball in my hand.
Q: What is your favorite part about the basketball season?
A: The fun and competitive practices and games, along with the fans/student sections at games. They bring so much energy. Overall, the whole season is just so much fun because I make so many more new memories to be thankful for.
Q: As a senior, how do you try to lead the rest of your team?
A: As a senior, I lead the rest of my team by giving them as many opportunities as possible to get into the gym. I give reminders on the court, celebrate teammate’s wins/success with touches and words, team wins, communicate and give teammates confidence.
Q: As the season ramps up, what are you and the team most focused on?
A: The team is most focused on getting better every day and game. Along with getting better at boxing out and rebounding.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do on the basketball court and why?
A: Create — whether it’s a pass, drive or shot. I love having good plays, high-fiving teammates, smiling and laughing with them.
Q: Do you have any individual goals you hope to accomplish this winter season?
A: To be a better player and leader than last year, while enjoying my last season in a Gillett Tigers uniform with my best friends next to me.
Q: In order for the team to have a successful season, what needs to happen?
A: We need to play to the best of our ability, work as a team, box out and have fun.
Q: Before a game starts, do you or the team have any routines or rituals you go through?
A: I do, or have someone braid my hair. Also I take a picture with the team or someone.
Q: What’s your favorite memory of competing on the Gillett girls basketball team?
A: I have many memories and choosing a favorite is really hard, so my top two are my game-winning shot at Wausau East last year, or our regional semifinal against Florence last year.
Q: Favorite movie, TV show, and musical artist?
A: Movie — “Top Gun” and “Christmas with a Prince.” TV show — “All-American” or “Hawaii Five-O.” Musical artist — Kane Brown and Dan and Shay. I don’t really have favorites, but these are my top ones.
Q: Name one thing about yourself that not many people know.
A: Every time I go to the gym and after every practice, I have to make 50-100 free throws before leaving the gym.
Q: What are some things you hope to accomplish after graduating high school?
A: To be successful in whatever I decide to do, along with staying close to my teammates and continue to come back and support them.
AT A GLANCE
Athlete: Carleigh Kaczmarek
Sport: Girls basketball
Position: Guard
School: Gillett Secondary School
Year: Senior