Fox Valley Association

Each week during the 2014-15 year beginning in late October, the Fox Valley Association will feature two student-athletes (one male and one female) from one of its 10 schools for a "Student-Athlete Spotlight" Q & A segment. The segments will be posted every Tuesday and Thursday and individuals are selected by the school.

Name: Claire Van Handel

School: Appleton North

Sports: Basketball, Tennis

Other school clubs/activities: NHS, Student Council, League of Leaders, Link Crew, FAN Club, Psych Club

Parents’ names: Ross and Sheila Van Handel

Siblings’ names: Frank, Luke, and Lilli Van Handel

Favorite aspect of your school: Everyone is like one big family, no matter how different your likes/dislikes may be, everyone accepts you for who are, allowing you to be yourself.

Favorite aspect about being involved in school activities: All of the new friendships built by meeting new people involved in the same activities as you and the many memories made

If you have been involved in community service projects, which has been most rewarding and why? The Inspire Basketball Camps we put on for special needs kids. It's so rewarding being able to see how happy it makes others to be able to do the thing you love as well. Each time I learn just as much from them as they do from me and I am reminded they are kids just like us. It overall just feels great to give back.

College or post-high school plans: I plan to attend a university but have not made my final decision of which one quite yet.

What is your desired major/career field? Currently undecided

What is your favorite class? AP Psych

Who is your favorite teacher? All of the Gold Team Core teachers at North

Favorite book: Thirteen Reasons Why

Favorite youth coach: RVH-a.k.a my dad

What is the best advice one of your coaches has given you? W.A.O.

Something people would be surprised to know about me is…: Powderpuff football is my true passion. Everything I learned, I learned from the one and only Alex Macke.(kind of a big deal)

Favorite place to play on the road in the FVA? Appleton West or Kimberly

Favorite athlete to compete against in the FVA: Kersten Madson (Appleton East) & Emily Wypiszynski (Appleton West)

Favorite memory from being involved in co-curricular activities is…: "What you see is what you get" or beating Kimberly on a buzzer beater my sophomore year.

Favorite professional team: Teannnorsee Lobcats

Favorite professional athlete: Zach Abitz. He isn't pro yet but he's on his way and I can't wait to be able to say I knew him before his muscles were famous.

Favorite person to follow on Twitter: @SeanVan36 @therealteanor Both are definitely worth a follow

A non-athletic talent I have is…: Contrary to popular belief, I can indeed lick my elbow.