Skutt Catholic High School senior Laini Michaelis bubbles over with spirit. “I have always liked to be involved and try new things,” she said. “My parents recognized at an early age that I needed to be busy and had a lot of energy.” She began playing basketball in pre-K and started t-ball at age 5. “I volunteered to play catcher when no one else wanted to put on the gear. It started my love for the catching position.” A three-sport varsity player in softball, basketball, and track all four years at Skutt, Michaelis has set a goal for herself to earn twelve varsity athletic letters.
Being a multi-sport athlete is both challenging and rewarding. “As I got older, more of my teammates started to specialize in one sport, but I wanted to play multiple sports as long as possible,” she said. Unfortunately, when high school started, she had to decide between volleyball and softball. “I will say that having to give up volleyball was one of the hardest things I have had to do.”
Michaelis believes there are benefits to playing alongside different personalities. “Even if we may differ in style or opinions, we are all working on similar goals. Being part of a team has allowed me to figure out what traits I have that can help and hurt a team. I have learned to modify what I say or do for a teammate based on their personality. In the future I will know how to read and then respond to people in my job.”
Michaelis is proud of all her teams. “This past summer our Nebraska Gold 16U National softball team surprised a lot of people by finishing third at the Premier Girls Fastpitch (PGF) Nationals, which is the most competitive and highest level tournament in the nation. I’m also proud of my Skutt Catholic softball team because we made it to state and finished third. Our team of many seniors had been on a mission of making it to state, and we did all things, both on and off the field, to make it happen. No one was selfish. We knew it was about the team.”
The 2025 Girls’ Class B State Basketball Championship game came with a lot of pressure. “The senior starters knew I could be counted on for my defense and rebounding,” she said. “I have always been a vocal leader. Coach Kip counted on me to yell out things to help the others on the floor. I knew the defenses, offenses, and inbounding plays like the back of my hand. I helped the subs find out where and what we were doing. I wasn’t the leading scorer or rebounder. However, I like to think that I was an integral part of our success. That day we achieved the goal of the first Girls’ State Basketball Championship for Skutt Catholic High School.”
Former Skutt Catholic girls varsity basketball coach Kip Colony believes Michaelis is special. “Laini plays with a high level of effort, focus, and competitiveness that sets the tone for our team,” he shared. “Whether it’s hustling for a loose ball, getting a board, or stepping up in a big moment, she consistently puts the team first. As a teammate, Laini is just as valuable. She encourages others, leads by example, and holds herself and her teammates accountable in a positive way. Laini’s attitude, leadership, and selflessness make everyone around her better.”
In the fall, Michaelis was one of only 48 seniors across the state to receive the Believers and Achievers Award from the Nebraska School Activities Association. The award was designed to reward high school students who show a commitment to citizenship, school involvement, and community projects. She was also selected as First Team All-State and earned a school record for career fielding percentage.
Michaelis is facing a new challenge following a recent surgical repair for a torn medial patellar femoral ligament. She said, “Will I be the same athlete after surgery? As I begin my four-month rehabilitation, I am dedicated to the grueling physical and mental process. I need to trust God’s plan and do all I can to recover as quickly as possible.”
Following graduation, Michaelis will play Division I softball at the University of South Dakota on scholarship. “I am going to major in medical biology and apply for medical school in the future. I plan to be fully healed and ready to challenge for a starting spot on the team.”
