After spending a year in Minnesota, I’m excited to share that I have returned to my hometown, Monroe, to continue pursuing my love of sports and writing as the new Sports Editor for the Monroe Times.
When I graduated from UW Oshkosh in the spring of 2021, I wanted to get out of my small hometown, spread my wings and explore. Oddly enough, I found another small community in northwestern Minnesota to call home. Although I loved the athletes, coaches and parents I met, I missed my family, who were 10 hours away.
Fast forward a year, and the familiar town that I once wanted to get away from has drawn me back.
In the short time that I’ve held the position, coaches and community members alike have enthusiastically welcomed me home. Last Friday, I was excited to capture pictures on T.R. Holyoke field’s sidelines, where I stood as a manager eight years ago. The student section was still chanting the same words that I had.
Aside from nostalgic memories, I can’t wait to work with and see many familiar faces. At the Monroe-New Glarus swim meet, I met with co-head coach Haley Kaiser, who I played softball with in high school. I also ran into Erica Zentner, my second-grade teacher at Northside, who’s daughter Anna competed in four events for the Cheese Knights.
What drew me in the most, though, was the desire to give back to the paper that actively covered my high school softball career. After a game, I’d watch Adam interview coach Dale Buvid and, if I was lucky enough, get an interview myself. The following day, I’d rush to the computer to read the write-up and see if my picture made it in. When the newspaper printed, I cut out the article and taped it to my bedroom wall. Over three years, I had quite the collection.
While I am personally thrilled to start this new journey, my hope is that other athletes will race to our website or newspaper like I once did. I want to continue the tradition of great coverage for our community and athletes.
— Natalie Dillon is the sports editor for the Times. She can be reached at ndillon@themonroetimes.com.
