Athlete Profile: Kaden Marcell

Shawano senior stacking up top finishes

Kaden Marcell has put together a strong golf career for the Shawano Community High School team. He’s continued to stack up strong finishes in his senior season.

Marcell led the Hawks during a Bay Conference meet on May 10, shooting a nine-hole round of 36. That score tied him for second as an individual. Marcell also led the team at a few other conference events.

He tied for fifth as an individual at the Oneida Classic on May 2 with an 18-hole round of 76. Marcell posted a round of 74 during the Chilton Invite on May 7, tying for second as an individual.

Q: When did your interest in golf begin?

A: My interest in golf began when my grandpa (Dean Marcell) first started taking me out to the golf course when I was 3 years old. Freshman year I really took the commitment by picking golf over baseball due to them being in the same season. Let’s say I don’t regret my decision.

Q: What is your favorite part about the golf season?

A: My favorite part of the golf season is the conference meets every week. Playing with the same guys since freshman year is awesome, and it has been increasingly competitive over the years. My absolute favorite being the conference final because all that pressure on trying to perform well makes me show up.

Q: What has golf taught you over the years?

A: Golf has taught me over the years to be patient with stuff and to try and look at the benefits over the negatives. I always try to keep a positive mood on the course, and it has changed the way I act off the course.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of golf, and why?

A: My favorite aspect of golf is for sure the tee shot. There’s nothing better in my opinion than hitting a perfect drive down the middle, setting up the perfect approach shot.

Q: How did you prepare for the golf season?

A: I prepared for this golf season by going to the gym in the winter and also hitting on my home simulator. Also working on putting in my basement has played a key role in this season.

Q: As the season begins to wind down, what goals do you and the team have?

A: Our team this year has set very high standards. Our main goal is to qualify for sectionals as a team and potentially even state, which I feel is possible if all of our players shoot well. I have the goals of trying to qualify for the state tournament this year. I feel like I have been playing the way I need to be to make it and think I can make a good run at it.

Q: Golf can be a tricky sport to be consistent at. How have you been able to put up strong rounds time after time?

A: The way I have been able to put up strong rounds time after time is practice; as golfers, our goal is to achieve perfection and I think the practice we put in makes us closer to that. Everyone can hit a good shot now and then, but what sets people apart is how consistent you are at being able to do that. Another thing I do is just keep confidence throughout the round. There are a lot of shots in a round that may alter the round, but being confident in performing the shot is key.

Q: Before a meet starts, do you or the team have any routines or rituals you go through?

A: Honestly our team has zero rituals before the rounds, other than just warming up and going out and playing. Only thing I do different is I always putt first, because I feel that it’s the most important.

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

A: My favorite memory of competing on the golf team will be the bus rides to all of the meets. Just being with the team on the bus is so much fun, I think it beats everything out.

Q: Favorite movie, TV show and musical artist?

A: Movie — “Creed 2.” TV show — Do not actually have one — I don’t watch TV. Music artist — Sam Hunt.

Q: Name one thing about yourself that not many people know.

A: I am actually ambidextrous, so I swing left, write with my right hand, throw with my right and kick with my left.

Q: What are some things you hope to accomplish after graduating high school?

A: I hope to go to a post-secondary school and graduate with a degree, and then with my golf career hopefully get a scholarship or make it as a PGA Tour pro.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Kaden Marcell

Sport: Golf

School: Shawano Community High School

Year: Senior