A glorious milestone for Kennedy athletes in 2024, with many memorable events and cherished memories
Alayna Kennedy: A Shining Star
The year 2024 has marked a remarkable and significant milestone for Austin High School athletes, particularly Alayna Kennedy. Not only is she an outstanding senior, but she is also the pride of the Packers athletic team. During the recent sports season, Kennedy left an indelible mark with her achievements, from being named a NISCA All-American to clinching her second consecutive Class A diving championship.
Over the past six months, Alayna Kennedy has demonstrated her excellence as an athlete with stellar performances on the diving board. She not only earned the title of NISCA All-American but also committed to Boston University, ushering in a new chapter of her sports career. Kennedy ended the year on a high note by securing a convincing victory with 444.80 points in the prestigious state-level competition.
“I always think about competing. We’re always competing,” Kennedy said following her victory. This statement not only reflects her competitive spirit but also showcases her relentless effort.
A New Record
This season also witnessed a new AHS diving record, cementing Kennedy’s position in local sports history. Her dedication not only secured her victories but also inspired future generations of young athletes.
Camden Hungerholt: The Record Breaker
Meanwhile, Camden Hungerholt, a senior from LeRoy-Ostrander, made history as the first nine-player football athlete to receive the Minnesota Mr. Football award. With impressive statistics, Hungerholt achieved 5,267 all-purpose yards this season, setting a new record at MSHSL.
Additionally, Hungerholt played a pivotal role in leading the LeRoy-Ostrander/Lyle-Pacelli team to the state semifinals. His journey highlighted not only personal achievements but also his teamwork and leadership skills.
Lyle-Pacelli Baseball Team: A Close Call
Beyond individual triumphs, the Lyle-Pacelli Athletics baseball team set ambitious goals this season. However, they fell short of the title with a 7-5 loss to Sacred Heart in the quarterfinals. Despite the defeat, the team’s performance remains commendable, especially from pitchers like Hunter VaDeer and Isaac Nelsen.
Bright Futures Ahead
Hunter VaDeer, a senior, will continue his baseball career at Creighton University, while Landon Meyer will elevate his talent at Upper Iowa University. These athletes are sure to shine in the future.
Awesome Blossoms Softball Team: A Memorable Farewell
The Awesome Blossoms softball team had a season to remember, advancing to the Class A state tournament. Although their journey ended in the quarterfinals with a 14-7 loss to West Lutheran, it marked their first state-level appearance in over a decade.
Overcoming Challenges
Senior Macy Lembke led the team and committed to continuing her softball career at Gustavus Adolphus. Her journey symbolized perseverance and determination.
The Legacy of Excellence
In basketball, former Hayfield players Natalie Beaver and Kristen Watson left an unforgettable legacy. Both achieved career milestones by surpassing 2,000 points, with Watson becoming the all-time leading scorer. Their contributions propelled Hayfield to two state tournament appearances in three seasons.
While their journey ended with a loss to champions Goodhue, their legacy remains etched in history. Hayfield aims to grow further, collaborating with Schaeffer Academy in the future.
New Beginnings for Volleyball
Good news came for the Packer volleyball team as alumna Nichelle Gabrielson returned as head coach. Under her leadership, the team achieved its first winning record since 2009, finishing 17-12. Gabrielson expressed optimism for the team’s future, showing pride in her players.
Honoring Gabby Weiss
Last summer, Austin lost a significant figure, Gabby Weiss. As a prominent member of the All-Stars baseball program, Weiss dedicated her life to nurturing young athletes. Her legacy continues to inspire those she mentored.
A Historic Achievement
Finally, Alani Thiravong made history as the first female golfer from Austin to compete in the state tournament since 2009. With an impressive 34th-place finish, Thiravong proved her efforts were well worth the rewards.
Team Spirit
Thiravong credited her teammates for their support and encouragement throughout the season. The strong bond among team members greatly contributed to individual progress.
Austin Packer Dance Team: A New Mark
The Austin Packer dance team continued their streak by qualifying for the state tournament for the 23rd consecutive year. They secured second place in high kick and eighth overall in the Class AA competition, showcasing their remarkable talent.
Unified Strength
Led by Rachel Danielson and Lexie Yokiel, the team demonstrated that success stems from both individual skills and collective support.
Inspirational Wrestling Progress
In women’s wrestling, Diann Smith from Grand Meadow/LeRoy/Ostrander/Southland excelled by achieving second place at the MSHSL women’s competition. With a 30-5 record, Smith proved she deserved recognition and respect from the sports community.
Smith’s season was not only a personal achievement but also a milestone for women’s wrestling, as MSHSL established it as a separate sport. This provides a platform for her and other female athletes to shine in future seasons.
Looking Ahead to Bright Horizons
The year 2024 was not only a year of personal triumphs but also a significant milestone for Kennedy athletes and the Austin sports community. Stories of perseverance, hard work, and success have inspired generations to come. The future of Austin athletics is full of hope and promises to bring even more victories for young athletes.
