Fox Valley Association

Name: Anika Nettekoven

School: Appleton North

Year in School: Senior

Sports: Cross Country, Track and Field

Other school clubs/activities: NHS, Girl-Up, Key Club, SLP (Student Leadership Program)

Parents’ names: Gary and Laura Nettekoven

Siblings’ names: Aiden and Andersen

Favorite aspect of your school: The amazing students and staff

If you have been involved in community service projects, which has been most rewarding and why? My passion for sports has propelled me to pursue numerous athletic-based volunteer opportunities, particularly those that revolve around students with special needs. I have been students’ biggest cheerleader in their basketball endeavors in SOAR Fox Cities and their baseball triumphs in Miracle League. I helped with the organization of the Special Olympics track meet and led the planning of our school’s Special Prom. I had the joy of pairing up with these students for fun nights of miniature golf and games as part of Inspire Sports. I taught children with special needs how to bike and have seen their astounding progression from panic to utter confidence as they leave the iCanBike program riding all by themselves. These events have all been incredibly rewarding and each student that I have worked with has instantly became the highlight of my day.

What is your favorite class? Math and Science

Who is your favorite teacher? Too many to name

What is the best advice one of your coaches has given you? “It’s so easy to fall into the trap of thinking about what we have to do. I have to wake up early. I have to do my warm-ups. But that’s a lie. You don’t have to do any of that. Nobody is forcing you to do this. You get to. Somewhere, people are praying to get to experience the exact things you trick yourself into thinking you have to do.” -Coach Lucas Jadin

Favorite youth coach: Coach Dean, Annette, and Shadick (my high school coaches)

Favorite place to play on the road in the FVA? Kaukauna

Favorite athlete to compete against in the FVA: Fauske and Kinas Sisters, Kaukauna

Favorite memory from being involved in co-curricular activities is…: Pasta parties with my cross-country teammates

Favorite professional team: Milwaukee Bucks

Favorite professional athlete: Allyson Felix

College or post-high school plans: Attending Creighton University to further my athletic and academic career

What is your desired major/career field? Pre-Med

Something people would be surprised to know about me is…: When I was younger my dad always made unique Halloween costumes for my brothers and I. For example, a few of them were hot air balloons, juice boxes, calculators, lego figures, and a washer and dryer.

What is at the top of your “bucket list?” Run the Boston Marathon someday like my parents have done

What is your dream job? Doctor/Nurse Practitioner

Favorite person to follow on Social Media: Sydney McLaughlin

When I have a weekend off of sports, you can usually find me... Going shopping and hanging out with my friends, boyfriend, and family.

A non-athletic talent I have is…: Helping and comforting my elderly patients within my CNA job, particularly during the Covid isolation.