Athlete Profile: Natalie Brauer

Senior a force on the court for Oconto Falls

OCONTO FALLS — The Oconto Falls High School volleyball team entered the season searching for new leaders and someone they could rely on. Senior Natalie Brauer has risen to the challenge.

Brauer has not only become a leader for her team, but has also helped the team to a solid start this fall.

She often leads the team in attack kills and is constantly putting pressure on the opponent with her steady play at the net.

“Natalie helps create a positive environment for the team. She is always wanting to know more to better herself and her team, even as a senior. She works hard and always gives her best at games and practice. She is one of the key elements to our team’s success,” said Oconto Falls coach Rochell Otto.

Q: When did your interest in volleyball begin?

A: My interests in volleyball began during freshman year. Getting moved up to JV1 as a freshman really made me see the love of the game. Being with all the upperclassmen and meeting new people made volleyball very fun to me.

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

A: My favorite part of the volleyball season is probably bonding with the team. Meeting all new people each year is definitely one of my favorite parts. Also, another favorite part of the season is winning our toughest games. Although we didn’t have many games this year, last year playing Wrightstown and beating them was a huge upset to their team and that was one of the best games of my high school season.

Q: How did you prepare for the volleyball season?

A: This year, I personally prepared by joining a club volleyball team during the offseason. I played both basketball and volleyball at the same time which was very difficult, but I knew that’s what needed to be done to become a better player for this year’s season.

Q: The team is off to a pretty strong start to the season. What needs to continue happening on the court to have even more success?

A: To become even more successful, our passing definitely needs to stay strong, because with that being said, our front row will get it done. This year, we have been very close as a team to encourage ourselves to stay strong through the games, and that is a very important factor also to our success lately.

Q: The team lost a ton of experience from last year, thrusting you into more of a leadership role this fall. What has that been like for you?

A: It has definitely been a very different change without the seniors from last year, and the past three years. I’ve always looked up to the upperclassmen and they have taught me to be a leader and because of that I am the person I am today. I wanted to become just like them and I try my very best to be the best leader I can be, just like they were when I was a freshman.

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

A: My favorite memory throughout my high school volleyball career is definitely beating Wrightstown last season. It was the best game I feel like I personally played. While losing to them two times before, that didn’t stop us from winning. Going into that game we all knew we were going to win, and that was the best feeling ever. It’s crazy how I still have flashbacks of that game, being in that gym, getting up to the net, swinging at a C (set) which Emma (Huberty) set me, killing it straight down, and the crowd going crazy. It still brings chills to me.

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

A: I’m definitely going to miss the team atmosphere in volleyball the most. All of our team dinners, senior wake ups, and team bonding in general. I will miss everything. I’m also going to miss the overall game a lot. I’m not going to college to play sports, so that being said, I will never play an intense game again which I will miss.

Q: Favorite TV show, movie and musical artist?

A: My favorite TV show is “Orange Is the New Black.” I think it is very funny and very interesting. My favorite movie is “The Blind Side.” It is a very sad movie as well as has many twists to it. Lastly, my favorite music artist is Justin Bieber. I’ve always had a place in my heart for him as a kid, which I will never let go.

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

A: One thing that many people don’t know about me is that my favorite person on this planet is my grandmother, Deanna Hughes. She is my idol. She has been there for me since day one and there is not a day I go by without talking to her. She has been there for all my sporting events and I couldn’t do it without her. She is my best friend and I’m so blessed to have someone so special in my life.

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

A: One of the greatest pieces of advice that I’ve been told is “rise above and be the better person.” My aunt Lisa (Bley), which I look up, has always told me this through hard times.

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

A: One thing I want to accomplish after high school is graduating college and getting a good degree which I can pursue into a good career. After that, I hope to have a good family and many kids of my own that I want to raise into good human beings.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Natalie Brauer

Sport: Volleyball

Position: Middle hitter

School: Oconto Falls High School

Year: Senior