Prep Athletes of the Week: Elk River tennis star Ava Nelson nears 200th victory

Randy Ronning has had plenty of superb players during his tenure with the Elks program, both girls and boys. Nelson ranks right up there with the best of them.

“We’ve been blessed at Elk River to feature many outstanding players over the years, but Ava would be right up there with Meagan Brown and Joshua Gearou, the two Elks who advanced all the way to the state individuals singles championship match,” Ronning said.

The No. 3 ranked player in Class 2A, according to the coaches association poll, is 24-1 this season after beating No. 10-ranked Maddie Larsen of Maple Grove 6-1, 6-1. It was her 179th career victory.

“Ava has a lot of talent, but no one works harder than she does,” Ronning said. “She pushes her body to the brink of exhaustion, and sometimes beyond. She is a great leader who cares as much for her teammates as she does for herself.”

Earlier this season, Nelson bested close friend Cassandra Li of Eagan in a thrilling 7-6 (11-9), 6-4 match. Li was the runner-up in the state tournament last season while Nelson finished third.

“I was on top of my game,” Nelson said. “It’s not easy playing against good friends. That was a massive confidence boost for me.”

Her game has improved significantly since falling to No. 1-ranked and defending Class 2A champion Claire Loftus of Rochester Mayo in the semifinals of the state tournament a year ago.

“My lobs, drop shots and angles are where I have improved the most,” Nelson said. “I am playing really well right now.”

Perfect timing with the state tournament less than a month away.

“The state tournament can be very exhausting,” Nelson said. “If you go as an individual and as a team, you could play seven matches in four days. My goal is to win state while enjoying my last year with my teammates and friends.”

Bloomington Kennedy • soccer

The junior forward turned in a record-setting season a year ago, and he is on the verge of having an even better year in 2024. He has scored 12 goals in his past four games, giving him 23 this season for the Eagles (8-3-3). Seahorn Jr. scored all four of the Eagles’ goals in both a 4-1 victory over Minneapolis Roosevelt and a 4-0 shutout of Richfield. “He has been a difference-maker for us all year,” Eagles coach Brayan Lopez said. “Marlon has been a crucial contributor to our team’s success, and his future is incredibly bright.”

Edina • swimming

“Her work ethic is infectious to the rest of the team,” Hornets coach Jeff Mace said. “Team comes first and foremost to her.” The junior proved that again, having a hand in four first-place finishes as Class 2A, No. 1-rated Edina, according to the coaches association poll, outdistanced No. 2-ranked Minnetonka 100-86 in a Lake Conference dual meet. McCarthy, who recently committed to the Gophers, won the 50- (23.97 seconds) and 100-yard freestyle (52.23) and anchored the victorious 200 medley (1:46.83) and 400 freestyle (3:32.76) relay teams.

Alexandria • football

“Chase has been remarkably consistent and steady all season,” Cardinals coach Mike Empting said. Thompson completed 17 of 21 passes for 358 yards and five touchdowns and ran for another in Alexandria’s 55-17 victory over Brainerd. “Chase has great arm talent and is a terrific decision-maker,” Empting said. “He is a competitor who has the perfect temperament and personality to play quarterback and lead our offense.” The 6-8 Clemson basketball commit has completed 72% of his passes for nearly 1,300 yards with no interceptions for the Class 5A, No. 1-ranked Cardinals (5-0).

White Bear Lake • soccer

The state’s best team in Class 3A, according to the coaches association poll, has outstanding senior leadership. Smith is one of those seniors Bears coach John Dierkhising counts on. The attacking midfielder has seven of her 11 goals in the past three games for the Bears (12-0-1). “She excels with her ball control and her vision while dribbling in the attack is unmatched,” Dierkhising said. The Kansas recruit set the program’s career assist record last season and added nine more this year.

Lakeville South • cross-country

The senior turned in his best performance of the season, garnering medalist honors in the 529-runner field in the Cowbell Classic at Dodge Middle School in Farmington. Jakubic covered the 5K course in 16 minutes, 6.3 seconds. He finished 58th in the state meet a year ago. “Aiden is a dedicated student-athlete who holds high expectations for himself,” Lakeville South coach Jason Just said. “His first-place finish is a testament to his strong work ethic, relentless training and passion for the sport.”

Duluth East • soccer

Kuettel has made her way into the program’s record book. The sophomore forward scored a school record-tying six goals — equaling the mark set by Jen Luhtala in 1994 — in a 9-0 victory over Cambridge-Isanti. She has scored 15 of her team-high 20 goals in the past five games for the Greyhounds (10-3). “She is a dynamic scorer who is absolutely fearless in the box,” coach Steve Polkowski said. “Her speed and strength set her apart.”

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