Athlete Profile: Karissa Schaal

Karissa Schaal has helped the Gillett Secondary School girls basketball team to plenty of success during her high school career. The standout accomplished an individual milestone early in her senior season.

In the team’s 59-23 Marinette & Oconto Conference victory over St. Thomas Aquinas Academy on Dec. 1, Schaal topped the 1,000-point mark for her career. Schaal ended up scoring 17 points in the contest.

Schaal is coming off a junior season in which she made the M&O first team after averaging 17.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5 steals and 3.3 assists per game.

She made the all-conference second team as a sophomore.

Q: When did your interest in basketball begin?

A: I started basketball in third grade and from there my love for the sport grew.

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

A: Seeing everyone who also has love for the sport come cheer us on.

Q: What has basketball taught you over the years?

A: It has taught me that hard work pays off, and you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.

Q: You recently topped the 1,000-point mark for your high school career. Talk about what that milestone means to you.

A: It really means a lot knowing that I have worked for the milestone for years, and with the help of many teammates, I was able to accomplish that goal.

Q: As a senior, what are you most looking forward to this winter?

A: I’m excited for tournament time and see how far we can make it.

Q: Do you have any rituals you go through to get ready for a game?

A: The only rituals I go through is jamming to some music before every game.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of competing on the Gillett girls basketball team?

A: My favorite memory is probably making it to sectional finals my freshman year and doing it with my sister (Kaitlyn).

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

A: The amount of community support throughout every season

Q: Favorite TV show, movie, and musical artist?

A: TV show — “Family Guy.” Movie — Any Adam Sandler movie. Musical artist — Any old country.

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

A: That I have three earlobes.

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

A: Don’t worry what other people think, or your life is your responsibility.

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

A: I hope to possibly take over a family business and buy land.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Karissa Schaal

Sport: Girls basketball

Position: Post/guard

School: Gillett Secondary School

Year: Senior