With the proper perspective firmly in place, Minnetonka senior midfielder Ellie Crowell knows that the current girls' soccer state rankings, in which her Minnetonka team is ranked No. 2 among Class 2A teams, is relatively meaningless.
But Crowell, one of the state's top playmakers, is also a realist. She's not afraid to admit that it's a small measure of validation for her team to reach such lofty heights.
"It's nice to have some kind of evidence that's a testament to our success so far this year," Crowell said. "I'm pretty proud of it."
Staff writer Jim Paulsen talked to Crowell about where she and the Skippers go from here.
Q The team started strong last year but sputtered at the finish. What's different this season?
A We're very young, with a lot of underclassmen. The younger players all want to be here. They're all very motivated. Every single person on this team cares about preparing and being successful and winning.
Q Goals for this year?
A It's been my goal since I was a freshman to make it to the state tournament. I really believe that this team can get there.
