Caden Nichols, the son of John and Amber Nadler, will be attending Millikin University as part of the basketball team. During his time at NCHS, Caden has been active in basketball, baseball, AAU Basketball, BETA Club, FCA, and his church’s youth group.
What made you decide this school was the best fit for you?
I really enjoyed my time at the campus while I was there on my visit. I really like the coaches, players, and people that are on campus, so that really helped my decision. One more thing that also helped me with my decision was that they have what I want to major in.
How do you feel NCHS has prepared you for this next step in life?
NCHS has taught me many things throughout my time here. I think some of the biggest things are time management, study skills, leadership, and communication skills. All of these things I use on a daily basis and I thank all of the NCHS staff for teaching me all of these skills.
What are at least two life lessons you have learned from sports?
The first life lesson that sports have taught me is that hard work really does pay off. If you put your mind to anything you can do anything. The second lesson it has taught me is how to be a leader. Playing sports with your best friends your whole life makes it hard to criticize them because I don’t want to put them down. Over the years learning how to become a leader has taught me how to lead and encourage them while being a teammate and also a friend at the same time.
How have your coaches (and assistant coaches) helped prepare you to play at a collegiate level? In my 4 years here at NCHS my coaches have always encouraged me to do my best and have challenged me even when it was outside of my comfort zone. They have also taught me how to communicate in a competitive situation and be successful. And lastly they have not only taught me how to be the best basketball player I can be but also the best person I can be.
What will you miss the most next year about not being at NCHS?
I think the thing that I will miss the most next year is not being able to see and talk to my friends everyday.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would just like to thank all of my teachers, coaches, friends, and family that have been by my side throughout all of it and have never left my side. I can’t thank any of you enough. And ultimately I would like to thank God for giving me the ability to be successful in what I have done and giving me the opportunity to play basketball at the next level.
