Athlete Profile: Jewel Waupekenay

SHAWANO — Even though Jewel Waupekenay has collegiate softball games to look forward to, the senior was saddened to hear that she wouldn’t get to wrap up her career at Shawano Community High School.

Waupekenay believed the Hawks were in for a big spring season before the coronavirus pandemic brought an end to the school year and spring season. She is planning on playing softball for Concordia University.

Q: When did your interest in softball begin?

A: I started playing in — I don’t even remember what grade — but when I was 8 years old. Ever since then, I’ve always had a love for softball, and it was really fun. The way that all the girls always worked together, no matter what team you’re on, it’s always a good time.

Q: What is your favorite part about the season?

A: The girls that I play with now — the senior class — we’ve been together since we were young. We’ve had so many memories growing up playing softball. This year, I thought it was really going to be a good year.

The thing I like the most is just how much fun we had no matter what.

Q: Talk about your emotions when the season was officially canceled.

A: I don’t even know where to begin. I was really sad — I think sad would actually be an understatement.

I was really looking forward to the season. With how much time all of us put in and not being able to finish senior year, it was sad.

Q: Some of the seniors will play college sports, but just how disappointing is it to not get that senior softball season together?

A: It is very, very disappointing. College, it’s a new world and totally different from high school. Just not being able to have that one last season, it’s never what we expected and I don’t think any of us were actually ready for that.

If I knew — if anyone knew — that weren’t going to have a senior season, I would have cherished the last moment I had on the field as a junior. But when I was a junior and we had our last game, I thought, “Oh, well. I have next year.”

I think going on into life, I don’t ever think I’ll ever have that mindset again.

Q: You are set to play softball for Concordia University. I’m wondering if your mindset and approach to the game will change at all after what happened this spring?

A: I think I’ll always work as hard as I usually do. I always try to put 110% in and do whatever I can to be prepared for anything.

But I think when I finally get the moment on the field, I’ll appreciate it a lot more than what I used to. Like, I used to go out and just think, “It’s a softball game. I’m always going to play softball, so I’m just going to do my best.” But I never thought that it would be the last moment with the people that I love.

I think once I go on (college softball), and I make those friends again and make those connections, I’ll never take anything for granted.

Q: After having a season taken away, what kind of advice might you give to younger players or teammates?

A: I would say to never stop working hard. When I was a freshman, I played JV, and as a sophomore, I got my shot (on varsity) because I worked hard.

Never think no one is watching, because there’s always someone watching. Even if you have to be the last person in the gym or the last person in the weight room, or you have to get up extra early in the morning, do it because it’s worth it.

Everything that you do is for a reason. The glory of winning games and of having a regular season, and just having fun is the most important part.

Never stop working hard, because when you’re on the field and it’s the last inning and the game’s tied up and you’re up to bat, that’s when it will come out.

Q: Have you been trying out any new hobbies since the quarantine set in?

A: I actually learned how to play Monopoly for the first time. I play that a lot with my family.

When I need some time alone or just be by myself, I’ve started painting.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of competing on the Shawano softball team?

A: There’s so many. I think my favorite moment was last year when we beat New London.

The whole time, there was just so much energy. I felt that was the game that everyone was doing really good, and it was just one big thing happened after the next. Then, the bus ride home was so much fun — it was just a really good day.

Q: Favorite TV show, movie and musical artist?

A: TV show — “Dance Moms” for sure. Movie — “Walk the Line.” Musical artist — Justin Bieber.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do when you are not in school or competing in a high school sport?

A: Definitely hanging out with my friends.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Jewel Waupekenay

Sport: Softball

Positions: Second base, shortstop

School: Shawano Community High School

Year: Senior