I realized that my self-worth shouldn't depend on winning or losing. It's okay to have goals, but my identity shouldn't be tied to results. After this realization, I had more fun and less stress in my sport.
Considered one of the most accomplished Nittany Lions of all-time, Nickal earned the 2019 Dan Hodge Trophy as the nation's most outstanding collegiate wrestler, was a two-time Schalles Award winner as the nation's best pinner and was also named the 2019 Big Ten Athlete of the Year.