Athlete Profile: Carleigh Kaczmarek

Tigers’ senior hopes to lead team to more success

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