Athlete Profile: Brianna DeBauch
The Gillett Secondary School girls basketball team is hoping to make another deep postseason run this season. Senior Brianna DeBauch will try and provide a spark for the team when she’s on the court.
DeBauch has primarily come off the bench for the Tigers this winter. But she has made a couple starts and was a starter in past seasons, which means the team has a player it can trust if a starter gets in foul trouble or just needs a break.
Being able to play just about any position on the court, DeBauch can do a little bit of everything for the Tigers.
Q: When did your interest in basketball begin?
A: I first got interested in basketball when I grew up watching my sister (Kayla) play. We traveled a lot for her tournaments, and I was always super excited to go home from a long day of watching basketball so I could start practicing.
Q: What is your favorite part about the basketball season?
A: My favorite part about the season is definitely tournament time. There is so much excitement, and the community comes together in more ways than one.
Q: What has basketball taught you over the years?
A: Basketball has taught me that I have to be stronger than the problems I face. It has also taught me that I can achieve great things, even when I may think otherwise.
Q: What’s the key to team success down the stretch of the season?
A: Having proper communication with my teammates is definitely the most important aspect to success. Especially with having a season during such an unknown time, we need to work through everything together to make sure we are successful.
Q: Gillett has put together a couple of deep postseason runs over the last few seasons. What needs to happen to make another deep playoff run this season?
A: I have noticed that in order for us to make it far into the playoffs, we need to all collectively have fun. When we have fun, we naturally work together as a team and we just understand each other better.
Q: As the season quickly winds down, what kind of things are you looking to accomplish before the end of the season?
A: I am looking forward to making it as far into the postseason as we can. Due to COVID, our team has been moved up a division, so it will be interesting to see how well we play against competition that we do not normally see during tournament time.
Q: What’s your favorite memory of competing on the Gillett girls basketball team?
A: My favorite memory would have to be from my freshman year when we made it to sectional finals. Although we lost, it was a great experience to be a part of. I would also like to mention that I had the best airball of my life that game.
Q: Favorite TV show, movie and musical artist?
A: TV show — “The Walking Dead.” Movie — Any horror movie, but in particular, “Annabelle” and “The Conjuring.” Musical artist — Morgan Wallen.
Q: Name one thing about yourself that not many people know.
A: I love podcasts. My new favorite podcast is “Crime Junkies,” which talks about serial killers, murderers and cold cases. I listen to podcasts every time I drive somewhere.
Q: What’s the greatest piece of advice you have ever been told?
A: Rather than a single piece of advice, I have received the most support and advice from my JV coach, Dan Gard. He has helped me through very tough times, whether it was because of basketball or because I was just feeling down. I appreciate all that he has done for me, and I would not be the same without his snarky comments.
Q: What are some things you hope to accomplish after graduating high school?
A: I hope to attend Bellin College for a degree in nursing. My end goal is to become a nurse practitioner. I also hope I get the opportunity to travel more!
AT A GLANCE
Athlete: Brianna DeBauch
Sport: Girls basketball
Position: Guard/post
School: Gillett Secondary School
Year: Senior