Athlete Profile: McKayla Goebel

The Oconto Falls High School girls basketball team came into the season under the direction of a new coach and needing some players to step up. McKayla Goebel is hoping to be one of those players in her senior season.

Goebel made the North Eastern Conference honorable mention team as a junior after averaging 7.3 points per game.

She helped the Panthers open their season with a win over NEC for Clintonville, scoring 20 points in the contest.

Q: When did your interest in basketball begin?

A: My interest in basketball started when I was younger. My dad (Matthew Compton) has always pushed me to be the best I can be by bringing me to the park after school and shooting hoops and playing 1 vs. 1 together.

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

A: My favorite part of basketball is playing the game with my friends, being able to accomplish goals while enjoying the moments.

Q: What has basketball taught you over the years?

A: Basketball has taught me many things, such as teamwork and leadership. When playing basketball, the success of each individual player really depends on the performance of other teammates. It also helped with communication, which helps when trying to be a leader. Having good leadership helps others respect you and believe in you.

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

A: As a senior, the thing I’m most looking forward to this winter is being able to start fresh with a new coach and new teammates and try to accomplish some new goals as a team.

Q: Do you have any individual goals you are hoping to reach this season?

A: Some individual goals I have this season are to shoot at least 80% at the free-throw line, an average of 12-25 points a game and get the first-team all-conference.

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

A: Some rituals I go through before a game is I always try to take a short nap either on the bus or at home. I then always listen to my pre-game songs and jam in the locker room with the team. Then as a team, we come together and hold hands and then take a moment to reflect on the game and to take a moment to gather all the nervousness. We then bring it together and to a chant.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of competing on the Oconto Falls basketball team?

A: My favorite memory competing on the Oconto Falls basketball team was my junior year when we were playing Wrightstown and usually we don’t keep up super close, but last year we were winning at some points. It was exhilarating. We worked super hard to come that close to winning against them.

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

A: The thing I am going to miss the most about high school basketball is definitely my team and just the environment. There are always memories being made and just being able to play the game with the people who understand me the most.

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

A: TV show — “Grey’s Anatomy.” Movie — “The Karate Kid.” Musical artist — Morgan Wallen.

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

A: Not many people know this but I have never gotten hurt or broken a bone.

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

A: The greatest piece of advice I got was, “No matter how busy you are, if you want to accomplish something you will make time to do it.”

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

A: After graduating from high school, I plan on attending Marian University in Fond Du Lac to get a degree in nursing.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: McKayla Goebel

Sport: Girls basketball

Position: Point guard/wing

School: Oconto Falls High School

Year: Senior