Prep Athletes of the Week: Ailish Fitzpatrick heats up for St. Louis Park girls lacrosse

St. Louis Park • lacrosse

The spring sports season’s first week of warm weather is here, but that sunshine brings only a taste of St. Louis Park senior Ailish Fitzpatrick’s lacrosse future. She’s committed to join Florida Tech’s lacrosse program, an hour southeast of Orlando, this fall.

But first she’s bringing plenty of heat for the Orioles (4-3), who are on the hunt for their first trip to state.

With six games left in the regular season, the midfielder has a state-high 40 goals along with 12 assists. Last week, Fitzpatrick netted seven goals in a 14-7 victory over Waconia and nine goals in a 16-7 win over Breck — giving her enough goals to surpass her team-high total of 38 goals last year.

“Ailish is the quarterback of our team and the most talented student-athlete I have ever had the privilege of coaching,” Orioles coach Kate Pearson said. “She worked really hard in the offseason to continue to improve her game and stick skills.”

Fitzpatrick is also a state-level Alpine skier for St. Louis Park and picked up lacrosse five years ago, saying she loves the “pace of the game and how quick and crucial every moment on the field feels.”

“Whether it’s in the locker room, during a tough game or in a moment where the team needs a spark, she’s the one everyone turns to,” Pearson said.

Chanhassen • track

The Storm senior is among the state’s best sprinters. Woods won the 100-meter dash and anchored Chanhassen‘s 4x100 relay team’s victory in the Hamline Elite Meet on April 25. He owns the state’s fastest time in the 100 at 10.61 seconds, breaking his own school record. The relay team also owns the state’s fastest time at 41.66 seconds.

“Myles is such a unique and special athlete and person,” Chanhassen coach Nick Redman said. “He has such natural talent and a coachable, mild demeanor. Add this to his drive and unbelievable resilience and that is a recipe for what has proven to be a historic season.”

Minneapolis Roosevelt • softball

A varsity catcher since seventh grade, the Roosevelt freshman went 10-for-11 at the plate in three games last week, scoring five runs and driving in another eight. In addition to her team-best .667 batting average, Lysne picked off three would-be base stealers.

And when Lysne sent a home run sailing over the fence, she made sure to congratulate each player on the bases in front of her, Roosevelt coach Jacki Wincek said.

“Her positive attitude and work ethic is a coach’s dream,” Wincek said. “She is the most humble person I have ever coached.”

Bloomington Jefferson • tennis

Campbell, a senior committed to Xavier University, entered the week as the second-ranked boys tennis player in the state after finishing last spring as the Class 2A, Section 6 singles champion. The Jaguars beat Minneapolis Washburn and Orono last week, with Campbell playing on the team’s top singles line — as he has done since eighth grade.

“Bode is an exceptional athlete,” coach Tom McNutt said. “As a team captain, he has provided outstanding leadership, both through his actions and his words.”

Hawley • golf

Before the senior and North Dakota commit won two meets last week, Cook was already ranked seventh in the state by the Minnesota Golf Association. At a Section 8 preview invitational, she shot a 76 to beat the next closest golfer by nine strokes.

“She’s a natural leader who lifts up everyone around her with her kindness and compassion,” coach Ben Gunkelman said. “People genuinely enjoy being around her because she’s thoughtful, dependable and always willing to help.”

Spring Lake Park • softball

The junior pitcher was key in the Panthers’ 2-0 victory over Rogers, the 2024 Class 4A state champion, allowing just two hits in seven innings while striking out four.

That’s not rare for Xiong. In the same week, she picked up 14 strikeouts against Moorhead and eight against Monticello, totaling 19⅓ innings with zero runs allowed and 26 total strikeouts.

“Ariel is a fantastic leader, a junior captain that leads by example,“ coach Chris Bangle said. “She also plays shortstop when not pitching and excels in the classroom.”

Big Lake • track

At the Hamline Elite Meet, Leuer showed off his 1,600-meter speed, running a personal best and what’s now the fastest time in the event this season (4:12.71), according to MileSplit.

“Jack has been a standout member of our team since he started in middle school,” coach Todd Trutna said. “Jack runs with a rare blend of speed and intuition, rising to the occasion in big moments. His success is a result of the miles, sweat and dedication he has put into the sport.”

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