Athlete Profile: Brianna DeBauch

Gillett senior does a little bit of everything for team when on court

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