Forward Lexi Wilson of Eagan has her sights set on two things in her final girls' high school hockey season: a South Suburban Conference championship as well as a return trip to the Class 2A state tournament.
The Wildcats fell in the Section 3 quarterfinals a year ago after advancing to the Class 2A state tournament the previous two seasons.
Here is a closer look at Wilson, who ran cross-country in the fall and will participate in track in the spring:
Q: The best movie I've seen in the past year?
A: "Divergent."
Q: Three words or phrases your friends or teammates might use to describe you?
A: Positive, competitive and energetic.
Q: Three songs I never skip on my iPod are …
A: … "300 Violin Orchestra" by Jorge Quintero; "Get Busy" by Sean Paul; and "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor.
Q: What are your three favorite apps?
A: Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.
Q: How did you get started playing the sports you play now in high school?
A: My dad inspired me to play hockey when I was young. I joined cross-country and track to be with my friends and to remain in shape.
Q: What did you work on most before the season?
A: I worked out at E>Train in Bloomington, ran, and of course practiced my "cellys." [A celly is a celebration after scoring a goal.]
Q: What is your favorite meal before a game?
A: Chicken Alfredo and an apple.
Q: Finish these four sentences — At my first varsity practice, I felt …
A: … excited, but overwhelmed.
Q: To get focused for a game, I …
A: … visualize, listen to my music and spend time with my teammates.
Q: I know I have an edge on an opponent when …
A: … they grow frustrated and angry playing against me.
Q: In 10 years, I hope I …
A: … secure a job in health and human performance. My goal is to work rehabbing high-performing athletes in sports medicine.
Q: What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete?
A: Going to the state tournament my freshman and sophomore years.
Q: Who is your school's biggest rival, and why?
A: Eastview. I chose Eastview because its athletic teams are always very strong.
Q: How do you balance school and sports during the year?
A: I've learned to organize myself. I dedicate the time I have after my sports to academics.
Q: Name one sport that you wish you could play, and why?
A: Volleyball because it's a lot of fun.
Q: If you could change one thing about high school sports, what would it be?
A: I think that school spirit is very important, and that students should be able to attend games for free.
Q: Who is your favorite college or pro sports team and why?
A: The Minnesota Wild because Zach Praise is my favorite player.
Q: What is the best sports advice you ever received?
A: "A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be." — Wayne Gretzky
RON HAGGSTROM