Awards – Page 2 – Dodgeball Club-UWP

Most Improved 2024 – Zach Brand

This award is given to the individual that puts in the work and effort to improve and take their game to the next level. They are always looking for ways to get better and want to make an impact on the court. The award is voted on by their teammates and this year’s most improved player is Zach Brand. Let’s take a look at his interview and what he has to say about winning this award!

Q. What are your thoughts on winning this award?

I’m honestly surprised. I personally didn’t expect to be nominated for the award because I couldn’t see my improvements.

Q. What moment or moments from this past season are you most proud of?

I don’t have any personal moments that I can think of, but the team’s best moments were the way we all chipped in to help the rookies or anyone confused about an aspect of Dodgeball.

Q. What skills do you hope to continue focusing on? Any new skills you want to learn?

The skills I need to work on are my catching and blocking. The rest will come with time and experience.

Q. What are your goals for this coming season?

I don’t have any goals for myself, but my overall hope is to see my team succeed in their goals and that they can improve to a point where they are proud of what they’ve accomplished.

Q. What is something you are looking forward to for next season?

I want to prove to the rest of the NCDA wrong when it comes to Platteville. We are not a team to be taken lightly.

Baller of the Year – Tomas Zander

This is an award that is given to the best player on the court. This individual throws outs, makes catches, provides pressure, and allows the team to compete. The winner is voted on by their teammates and this year’s winner was Tomas Zander. Let’s take a look at the interview below on his thoughts of winning the award.

Q. How do you feel about winning this award?

A. This award means a lot to me because of how much work I put into getting my teammates and myself better this year. I am glad that my teammates were able to see that I was pushing not only myself but also them every game. Knowing that I made an impact on the team even when not at practice is important to me. I never want to be known as the person who didn’t give it their all for their team. I want to give a shout-out to the other nominations for this award: Jalen, Nick, and Caleb. Those three getting better every game made me want to push myself so I wouldn’t get left behind.

Q. What was your favorite moment or moments from this past season?

A. I was only able to come to a handful of practices this year because I moved to Madison. One of my favorites was the first practice I attended. The reason was that for a long time, Coach Erik and I have been trying to create a culture of people wanting to come to play dodgeball, compete, have fun, get better for themselves, and get better for their teammates. I showed up to that first practice, and everybody was early to practice, running team drills without complaining and having fun. That moment really stuck with me because it felt like we finally achieved that culture Coach Erik and I have been looking for at Platteville. I give a lot of credit to the veterans for having a good mindset and taking the time to teach the rookies. I am sure it will be even better next season.

Q. What does your future in Dodgeball look like?

A. I don’t know how yet, but my plan is to get UW- Madison to start a Dodgeball Club in the fall and I plan to be their Coach. I want to help the Central Region of the NCDA grow. As for playing dodgeball, you better believe I will be at every home tournament playing for the Alumni. I also plan to play in the NDA league for the Platteville Pickaxers.

Q. What will you miss the most from this club?

A. Tournament weekend was something that I always looked forward to. From having a six-plus hour jam session in the car heading to a tournament, to hanging out with the team at the hotel and staying up really late, to playing dodgeball all day the next day, to finally ending the day back in Platteville hanging out until we passed out from exhaustion. Most people would say that sounds awful, but I have had some awesome teammates over the years to share in all those memories and I would not trade them away for anything.

Q. What advice can you give to any young or rookie players for next season?

A. Find a way to make an impact! Don’t give excuses, give solutions. This sport is not all about you. You have 11 other teammates on the court that are relying on you to fulfill your role. If you can’t throw, find something else to do to help your team win! Also, on or off the court, show that you care to be there. Some of your teammates put a lot of work into the club. Be present, on time, and come with a good attitude. You do that and you will find success in this club.

Rookie of the Year – Eric Sullivan

This is award given to a first year player on the team that has put in a lot of effort and makes an impact on the court. They provide us with throws and catches when it is needed the most. The winner is voted on by their teammates and this year’s rookie of the year is Eric Sullivan. Let’s take a look a the interview below and what he thinks of winning this award!

Q. How do you feel about winning this award?

A. I’m deeply honored and grateful to receive this award. It came as a surprise to me, as there were other candidates who were equally, if not more, deserving of this recognition.

Q. What was your proudest moment from this season?

A. Seeing my performance at nationals exceed my expectations was one of my most rewarding moments of the season, and it was a result of the team’s support and teamwork.

Q. What do you hope to improve on?

A. I hope to improve on my throw and my communication skills on the court.

Q. What are you looking forward to for next season?

A. I hope to improve on my throw and my communication skills on the court.

Q. What is your greatest take-away from this season?

A. My greatest take away from this season is the importance of perseverance and the importance of teamwork.

February 2024 Rookie of the Month- Kate Douglas

Junior #70

The Rookie of the Month award is an award given monthly to a player voted on by their teammates to recognize all the hard work they have put into the team throughout the month. This month’s recipient is junior Kate Douglas. Here’s what she had to say:

1. How do you feel about being voted ROTM?

I feel very proud of myself for making an impact on my teammates and to be voted ROTM.

2. How are you planning on continuing your work?

I plan on continuing to attend practices and skills sessions when I can, and I hope the team can schedule more hang outs in the future.

3. What are your goals for the remainder of the season?

I aim to head to nationals on a confident foot much like I had at the spring home tournament.

4. How have you felt about the season so far?

This season has been a journey of figuring out my limits as a player and figuring out how to play the game the best I can.

5. Anything else you’d like to tell the readers?

I hope my growth and improvements have been noticeable because I feel like a better player compared to when I started.

Congratulations again to Kate Douglas on receiving the Rookie of the Month award. We look forward to seeing who’s next! Go ‘Neers!

January 2024 Rookie of the Month- Erik Nelson

Freshman

How do you feel getting ROTM?

I feel motivated about being rookie of the month, it shows that the work I put in practice pays off, that I’m being noticed for my effort and commitment. It feels good to be valued.

What are your plans to continue to improve?

I plan on working harder on my lungs and stamina. Too long has asthma been a pain in my neck, I want to work hard and rise above it, for me and my team.

What are your goals for the remainder of the season?

I want to improve, everything. Every bit of feedback I take to heart, I want to screw up, get corrected, and next play apply what I’ve been corrected on. I want to burn rubber and I want to learn in the process.

Anything else you’d like to say to the team/readers?

If you are a rookie at anything. Don’t argue, don’t try to be in the right when you messed up. Your coach, your boss, your professor, even your peers or team. Look them in the eyes and take in everything they say, learn, improve, get better. Every missed throw, every missed tackle, every problem on a test you got wrong isn’t a bad thing, it’s an opportunity, and opportunity for others to sharpen you, to take a step in and teach you. You don’t learn something from being good all the time, you learn from being in the wrong. Stay humble and stay hungry.

Congratulations again to Erik Nelson on receiving the Baller of the Month award. We look forward to seeing who’s next! Go ‘Neers!

January 2024 Baller of the Month- Zach Brand

Sophomore #72

The Baller of the Month award is an award given monthly to a player voted on by their teammates to recognize all the hard work they have put into the team throughout the month. This month’s recipient is sophomore Zach Brand. Here’s what he had to say:

How do you feel getting BOTM?

I feel like the months of hard work are starting to pay off and I’m grateful that my team is noticing.

What are your plans to continue to improve?

I’m planning on doing as much as I can outside of practice to continue to improve for myself on top of that I plan to give full support to my teammates as I wouldn’t be where I am without them.

How have you felt about the season so far?

The season isn’t too bad, we had a lot of hiccups this last semester, but we are going to come back stronger this semester.

What are your goals for the remainder of the season?

For the remainder of the season, I want to continue working on catching and blocking as those are really important attributes for a good player.

Anything else you’d like to say to the team/readers?

For the people reading this I’d like to thank you for all the support you’ve given us until now, it doesn’t go unnoticed.

Congratulations again to Zach Brand on receiving the Baller of the Month award. We look forward to seeing who’s next! Go ‘Neers!

December 2023 Baller of the Month- Nicholas Stocks

Junior #27

How do you feel getting BOTM?

It feels good to have my work and dedication recognized by my teammates.

What are your plans to continue to improve?

I will continue to attend all regular practices and always showing up ready to compete.

What do you like most about the sport?

I enjoy throwing things at other people because where else can you do that and not get in trouble?

What are your goals that you want to see accomplished this season?

I want to see the team win at least half of our games this semester along with going 2-1 on the first day of nationals. I also want to see myself improve my throw so I can get more outs.

How have you felt about the season so far?

I feel the team is progressing much better than we were last year. I have been impressed with this rookie class and the hard work and dedication they have put into this sport. I look forward to seeing the whole team improve over the upcoming semester.

Anything else you’d like to say to the team/readers?

Look out for the Pioneers this semester as we are hungry for some wins. Roll ‘Neers!

Congratulations again to Nicholas Stocks on receiving the Baller of the Month award. We look forward to seeing who’s next! Go ‘Neers!

December 2023 Rookie of the Month- Dylan Taylor

Freshman #17

How do you feel about being voted ROTM?

I am glad to be voted ROTM. I have been working hard during practice and the tournament.

How do you plan on continuing to push forward?

I am planning on making it to the skills practices this coming semester.

How have you liked dodgeball so far?

I have enjoyed playing so far; it is fun and always a great time during practices.

What skill do you plan on working on improving next?

I want to improve my blocking skills this next semester.

What are your goals for the remainder of the season?

To become a better thrower, not just because of my speed and power in my throw but with my aim. I also want to help the team be more comfortable with each other so practices don’t have to be so drill-oriented.

Anything else you’d like to say to the team/readers?

We may just be a bunch of band kids and nerds, but we make a great team.

November ROTM 2023- Eric Sullivan

Freshman #18

How do you feel about being voted ROTM?

Wow that’s cool! I feel honored.

How do you plan on continuing to push forward?

I do plan on continuing to push forward and using the veteran’s knowledge and experience to help me become a better player.

How have you liked dodgeball so far?

I love dodgeball and I’m glad I joined the team this year.

What skill do you plan on working on improving next?

I plan on improving all my skills but really focus on my blocking.

What are your goals for the remainder of the season?

My goals for the remainder of the season are to let my broken finger heal and work on my throw.

Anything else you’d like to say to the team/readers?

Thanks to everyone on the team for coming to practice and making dodgeball fun and exciting!

Congrats again to Eric Sullivan! We look forward to seeing who’s next. Go ‘Neers!

November BOTM 2023- Eli Huntley

Senior #8

1. How do you feel about getting baller of the month?

It feels good to have my level of play noticed by my teammates. It’s nice to know that they see the effort that I am putting into the team.

2. What are your plans for the future?

Since I will be graduating in 1 week, I won’t be able to play the remainder of the season, but I plan to play in the NDA over the summer.

3. What will you miss most about the sport?

I will miss hanging out with all the guys/girl at practices as well as in the hotels during away tournaments.

4. What are your goals that you want to see accomplished in the remainder of the season?

I want to see the team have a record above .500 for the spring semester.

5. How have you felt about the season so far?

The season so far is a little disappointing. I think with the team that we had we should have done a lot better. I think with a little more practice and discipline, this team can win games.

6. Anything else you’d like to say to the team/readers?

Thanks to the team for keeping me busy my last semester on the court. Roll Neers.

Congratulations again to Eli on getting the November Baller of the Month award! Eli graduates in December 2023 and plans to join the NDA. As a club we will miss him dearly and the work and time that he has put into the organization doesn’t go unnoticed. Go ‘Neers!