Eagan girls' hockey forward Wilson hopes 'celly' work pays off

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A: "A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be." — Wayne Gretzky