Age: 36

Hometown: Brownstown

Residence: Westfield

Occupation: Environmental engineer and associate/project manager for Greeley and Hansen

Family: Husband, Matt; daughters, Claire, 9, and Carsyn, 6

High school and graduating year: Brownstown Central High School, 1998

Sports: Volleyball, four years; basketball, four years; track and field, four years

Athletics accomplishments: In basketball: three-time sectional champion, two-time regional champion, Mid-Southern Conference champion, all-conference, all-state, academic all-state, earned an athletic scholarship to University of Toledo. In volleyball: sectional champion, Mid-Southern Conference champion, all-conference, all-state, Indiana All-Star, academic all-state. In track and field: Sectional champion, Mid-Southern Conference champion, all-conference, academic all-state.

College: University of Toledo

Sport in college: Basketball

Major: Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering

»Who or what got you into sports?

“My dad, Dennis Wischmeier, sparked my interest in sports. He had me playing basketball as early as I can remember. I have many childhood memories of attending, watching or listening to sporting events.”

»What are your favorite memories of high school sports?

“Some of my fondest high school sports memories are of advancing in the state tournament, whether it be for basketball, volleyball or track, and the way the community rallied around our teams. The community spirit was palpable. I especially loved all of the pep sessions and firetruck rides. These events truly made you feel like a celebrity. A very special memory is the manner in which we won our first girls basketball regional championship in 1996. We played two games in one day, and both games went to double overtime. However, my most favorite memory is how my experience with sports was really a family event. My parents were always so supportive and went above and beyond to give me opportunities and make each experience impactful. My sister, Julie, and I were both on the varsity girls basketball team together my senior year. Those are memories I will never forget.”

»What was your biggest accomplishment?

“My biggest accomplishment was being a part of the teams that won Brownstown’s first girls basketball sectional and regional championships. Our teams established a winning tradition that has continued on for 20 years.”

»Why did you choose to do a sport in college?

“I was fortunate enough to play basketball in college. I chose to play at this level because I truly enjoyed the sport and wanted to continue to be a part of a team.”

»What did you get out of that experience?

“Playing college basketball taught me many life skills that continue to benefit me in my adult life both professionally and personally. Playing basketball while maintaining my academics was very much like working a full-time job, so prioritization and time management skills were extremely important. My collegiate experience gave me the opportunity to play in several prestigious venues and be a part of some winning teams, as well. I’m lucky enough to say I’ve played at Cameron Indoor Stadium, the home of the Duke Blue Devils, as well as Memorial Gymnasium at Vanderbilt. My freshman year at Toledo, we were nationally ranked, won the Mid-American Conference Tournament and were a No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament.”

»Are you still involved in sports today?

“When I graduated college, I was an assistant girls basketball coach at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in Indianapolis for six seasons. While there, we won two Class 3A state championships in 2004 and 2007. I took a break from coaching to start my family, but this year, I will be coaching my daughter Carsyn’s basketball team. My husband is a varsity assistant football coach for Westfield High School, so we as a family are actively involved in that program.”

»Are your children involved in sports?

“My daughter, Claire, dances competitively. Dancers are athletes, and the amount of time, commitment and discipline it takes to be successful amazes me. My daughter, Carsyn, also dances competitively. In addition, she plays basketball and softball.”

»How did sports affect your life?

“Sports had a huge impact on my life in numerous ways. It taught me how to work hard, and that with hard work, what seems impossible can become reality. Along with the direction of my parents, sports taught me many important life skills that I use every day, such as perseverance, the value of teamwork, dealing with disappointment and the importance of setting goals and daring to dream. Sports are and will always be a big part of my life.”

»Do you have any advice for kids about getting involved in sports?

“Get involved, set goals and dare to dream big. When my friends and I were in fifth grade, we set a goal to play for a girls basketball state championship in high school. That was a lofty goal, but it was our dream. While we didn’t quite make that dream become a reality, we did reach and exceed so many other goals and expectations because of our hard work, determination and focus.”

»Do you have any hobbies?

“Watching my girls’ activities, watching high school football, cooking/baking and exercising.”

»Do you have any favorite sports teams?

“Indianapolis Colts.”