Athlete Profile: Karisa Nietzer

GRESHAM — The Gresham Community High School volleyball team entered the season with high aspirations, with experience on its side and senior Karisa Nietzer heading the charge after landing on the first team all-conference in the Central Wisconsin Conference-North Division last fall.

The Wildcats got off to a bit of a slow start, but are hoping a solid showing at the Wildcat Kickoff Tournament on Sept. 7 will get things moving in a positive direction. Nietzer played a big role in Gresham’s 2-1 showing at the tournament.

In a sweep of Bowler, Nietzer tallied 15 kills before tallying six kills in a sweep of Elcho. Despite dropping a tight match to Sevastopol to end the day, Nietzer still left her mark on the contest, posting 12 more kills.

“Karisa is a very valuable part of our team,” said Gresham coach Tim Wild. “She brings a lot of strengths to our team. Not only is she a strong hitter, but she also does a great job disrupting the opponents with blocks and touches on the defensive side of the net as well. She is a vocal leader on and off the court for our team. She is a very smart player and makes good decisions with the ball. With a lot of offseason work, she has also improved her jump serve from a year ago.”

Q: When did your interest in volleyball begin?

A: Ever since I was young, it was always in my family. I realized that I loved it when I first started in high school.

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

A: I really enjoyed the friendships I made with the team. I also liked making friends with the surrounding teams.

Q: How did you prepare for the volleyball season?

A: I made sure to stay in shape and went to the contact days. Going to the contact days really helped because I could then prepare others and myself for the season ahead

Q: It’s been a bit of a slow start to the season for the team. What things need some improvement in order to start having more success?

A: Passing for sure but I know we are working on that. Some other improvements are being mentally prepared and ready for anything.

Q: The team was able to win two of its three matches at a tournament over the weekend. How will those results help the team going forward?

A: It’s preparing us for season ahead. Helping my teammates improve on their skills to achieve more victories.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of competing on the Gresham volleyball team?

A: There are so many to name but one of my favorites is when coach (Tim) Wild was sick (during a match in 2018) and the odds were against us for the win but we pulled it off and won in five (sets).

Q: What are you going to miss most about high school volleyball?

A: The friendships I made with my team and other teams. It’s always nice knowing that when you play a team you have friends you’re playing against.

Q: Favorite TV show, movie and musical artist?

A: I don’t have a favorite TV show, but my favorite movie is “A League of Their Own.” I really listen to any music that’s on.

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

A: I love to paint and draw. Not many people know that because I don’t really talk about it.

Q: What’s the greatest piece of advice you have ever been told?

A: Hard work pays off.

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

A: To keep a strong volleyball program at Gresham. Whether it’s helping with middle school or high school.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Karisa Nietzer

Sport: Volleyball

Positions: Middle/right side hitter

School: Gresham Community High School

Year: Senior