JEFF FIELDER Editor
SIDNEY – Nicole Birner, a senior at Sidney High School, has been named First State Bank’s Female Student of the Week. She participates in volleyball, basketball, National Honor Society, student council, and FCA. Her GPA is a 4.0. In volleyball, she’s a setter. Her performance this season helped the Red Raiders qualify for the state tournament. Her parents are Tom and Cindy Birner.
Q: Describe how the season went overall for the Sidney volleyball team.
BIRNER: “We had a really successful season this year. We set a school record for number of wins in a season with 32, and we worked really well together as a team. Our new coach really helped us stay positive and work hard throughout the season.”
Q: Did Sidney exceed your expectations this season?
BIRNER: “We exceeded the expectations that I had at the beginning of the year. We lost a lot of key players last year, so I didn’t know how it would work out this year. But it went a lot better than I expected it would. But, again, we worked really hard and really well together to have the success we did.”
Q: How exciting was it to compete at the state tournament?
BIRNER: “It was so much fun to compete in Lincoln. The atmosphere was so crazy. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’m glad I was able to experience it with teammates that I love and get along with really well.”
Q: How did you feel like Sidney played at state?
BIRNER: “We definitely didn’t play our best game. We had a hard time getting things going and showing what we were good at. But we definitely worked hard.”
Q: What are another one or two highlights from the season that really stand out in your mind?
BIRNER: “Another highlight was beating Grand Island Northwest because that’s who beat us last year to kick us out of the state tournament. Also, beating Alliance was another highlight.”
Q: What set this team apart from the other volleyball teams you competed on?
BIRNER: “Our chemistry definitely helped us because the seniors have been playing together for a long time, and we meshed well with the younger girls. A lot of them stepped up and played hard this year, which really helped contribute to our success.”
Q: Have you turned your attention to basketball yet?
BIRNER: “Yes, I’m really excited for basketball to start.”
Q: How do you think the basketball season will go for Sidney?
BIRNER: “I have high expectations this year. We’ve gone to state the last three years, so hopefully we can make it back down there again and compete hard and show them what western Nebraska teams can do.”
Q: How many starters are back on the basketball team?
BIRNER: “There are two starters back.”
Q: Does Sidney have to do a little bit of rebuilding this basketball season?
BIRNER: “Yes, we definitely lost some key players last year. We’re going to have to work hard to find ball handlers this year. We’ll also have to work really hard on our outside game.”
Q: What position do you play in basketball?
BIRNER: “I can play guard and post.”
Q: Between volleyball and basketball, which sport do you like the best?
BIRNER: “I like basketball the best. Basketball has been my favorite sport for as long as I can remember.”
Q: Do you plan to play sports in college?
BIRNER: “No, I don’t.”
Q: Are you sad that your competitive sports career is coming to a close?
BIRNER: “It makes me sad because I won’t be able to compete with my teammates, but I’m excited to focus my attention on my schoolwork in college and meeting new people.”
Q: What is your favorite non-sports activity?
BIRNER: “I really like going to FCA on Monday nights. We’ll talk for a little bit and then we’ll play a game. It really hits home because a lot of the things we talk about are things that I personally go through and experience, and it helps me deal with them.”
Q: How long have you been in FCA?
BIRNER: “I’ve been in FCA for four years.”
Q: What are your plans after you graduate from high school?
BIRNER: “I plan to attend the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. I haven’t decided yet what I’ll major in, but I think I want to go into the medical field.”
Q: Why did you decide to go to UNL?
BIRNER: “Both of my siblings go to UNL, and I’ve always loved going down there for state or for Husker games. I love the environment there.”
Q: How much pride do you take in holding a 4.0 GPA, and how special is it being part of National Honor Society?
BIRNER: “My grades are something that I’m proud of. I work hard to get good grades. It’s an honor to be in National Honor Society because it makes you work hard, and we give back to our community.”
Q: How challenging has it been to maintain a 4.0 GPA?
BIRNER: “It’s definitely been a challenge. It gets more challenging during sports seasons because I’m a lot busier with practices and games, so it makes it harder to get homework done. But overall, I work hard, and I enjoy getting good grades, so that makes it easier.”
Q: For you, what’s been the key to achieving success in school?
BIRNER: “The key for me has been setting time aside at home to work on my homework and just taking pride in it.”
Q: What’s your favorite class this year?
BIRNER: “My favorite class is chemistry. I like the concepts that we learn in chemistry, and my teacher, Tyler Shaw, is also my basketball coach, so I feel more relaxed in that class, talking to him and asking questions. He explains concepts to us really well.”
Q: In your opinion, who do you think is the kindest student at Sidney High School this year?
BIRNER: “I think the kindest student is Sarah Wamsley. She’s always helping people and lifting their spirits. She’s always super kind and willing to help anybody out.”
Q: What is something you wish people would do more of?
BIRNER: “I wish people would recycle more because I’m really worried about climate change. I wish people would care more about the planet.”
Q: Name one person who you think is a big difference-maker in the Sidney community.
BIRNER: “I think Donna Wiedeburg makes the biggest impact because she’s always willing to help others, and she never expects anything in return. She always does things out of the kindness of her heart.”
Q: What’s your favorite type of music?
BIRNER: “I listen to all types of music.”
Q: Favorite TV show?
BIRNER: “My favorite TV show is either One Tree Hill or All American.”
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
BIRNER: “I love Mi Ranchito. They have really good guacamole.”
Q: If you could give a shoutout to one business in Sidney, which one would it be and why?
BIRNER: “I would probably give a shoutout to Western Drug because my family owns it. They’ve done a lot for me, and I think they really care and help the community.”
Q: Who are your siblings?
BIRNER: “Ryan Birner (21) and Kara Birner (19).”
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