Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the cancellation of the spring season, the Upper Iowa Athletics Department is spending the next few months spotlighting many of our Peacock student-athletes whose spring seasons came to a premature end. 

In today's virtual interview, Pete the Peacock gets to know UIU lacrosse player Paige Nicklaus. Paige is a freshman from Eden Prairie, Minnesota who came to Fayette last year from Eden Prairie High School. She is majoring in early education with endorsements in special education.

PETE: How would you describe yourself in three words?    
PAIGE: Energetic, dedicated, and passionate.

PETE: What made you want to be a collegiate student-athlete?    
PAIGE: I love the sport of lacrosse and I wanted to continue playing. Specifically here at Upper Iowa to help build this new program.

PETE: What have you learned about what it takes to be a student-athlete?    
PAIGE: I have learned it takes a lot of time, effort, and dedication to your team.

PETE: What is your favorite way to de-stress?    
PAIGE: Either journaling or exercising.

PETE: What advice would you give to your 14-year old self?    
PAIGE: To work hard, be mature, and study a lot.

PETE: What is your favorite thing about your hometown?    
PAIGE: It is only 15 minutes from the Mall of America and the Twin Cities.

PETE: What is your favorite thing about Fayette?    
PAIGE: How we make the most of being in a small town. My team and friends make it a special place.

PETE: How do you want to be remembered?    
PAIGE: As someone who gives more than they take.

PETE: What are the top three things on your bucket list?    
PAIGE: To go on a mission trip, visit a hot spring in Iceland, and have a family of my own.

PETE: What is your dream job if money wasn't a factor? Why?    
PAIGE: Spending time with babies and young children all day because I love being a role model for them.

PETE: Who are three people (dead or alive) you'd love to have dinner with? Why?    
PAIGE: Megan Markle because I want to know what really happened with the royal family, Luke Combs because I love his music, and my friend Noah, he passed away in fourth grade and he was my best friend.

PETE: What is your most memorable sports moment?    
PAIGE: Being in the state championship game in high school two years in a row. It was always a fun weekend full of team bonding and activities.

PETE: What fictional character (movie, TV show, book, cartoon, etc.) would you want to be for a day? Why?    
PAIGE: Cinderella because I always wanted to be her when I was younger.

PETE: Do you have any collections? If so, what?    
PAIGE: I love coins. Whenever I see one on the ground I pick it up and add it to my jar.

PETE: Do you believe in aliens or ghosts? If yes, why?    
PAIGE: Yes because I think people's spirits stay on earth long after they are gone.

PETE: What is your dream vacation spot? Why? What would you want to do there?    
PAIGE: Tahiti because I love traveling to tropical locations and I want to stay in a villa.

PETE: What is your favorite restaurant in the world? What do you order?    
PAIGE: Wildfire, I order baby back ribs with applesauce.

PETE: What is your favorite non-sport hobby?    
PAIGE: I love shopping and spending time with my family.

PETE: If you could sing a duet with someone, who would it be? What song?    
PAIGE: My sister Kate and we would sing "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus.

PETE: What is one cause that you hold dear to your heart? Why?    
PAIGE: Children with disabilities because I have the patience and love to be able to help them and spend time with them.

PETE: What was your first job?    
PAIGE: As an announcer at baseball games in Eden Prairie.

PETE: Do you play any musical instruments?    
PAIGE: I used to play the piano, the clarinet, and the recorder.

PETE: If you had a podcast, what would it be about?    
PAIGE: My college experiences.

PETE: Who would your dream co-star be in a movie?    
PAIGE: Minnesota Twins' Outfielder Max Kepler.

PETE: What is your go-to home workout?    
PAIGE: Running and a core circuit.

Special thanks to Paige Nicklaus for taking the time to chat with Pete! To view previous virtual interviews, please click here.