Congratulations to four outstanding leaders and District 196 female athletes recognized with the 2025 Athena Awards, which honor female high school seniors in Minnesota for their athletic achievements.
- Makayla Moran, Apple Valley High School
- Ava Ligtenberg, Eagan High School
- Gracie Puit, Eastview High School
- Sophie Stramel, Rosemount High School
Makayla Moran, Apple Valley High School
Makayla lettered in four sports: hockey, soccer, golf, and lacrosse. She earned 10 academic letters over four years. A school record holder for career goals and career points in hockey and a Ms. Hockey Finalist, Makayla plans to play Division 1 Hockey at Minnesota State—Mankato.
Ava Ligtenberg, Eagan High School
Serving as captain and lettering in basketball, track and field, and soccer, this three-sport athlete was a 2024 Ms. Soccer finalist and earned a spot on the All-state tournament team for soccer. Outside of sports, Ava served as a Link Leader, member of the World Language National Honor Society, and member of the National Honor Society. She plans to attend North Dakota State University on a track scholarship.
Gracie Puit, Eastview High School
Gracie brings a sense of spirit and endurance as a multi-sport athlete, competing in cross-country, track and field, and Nordic skiing. A member of the Captains Council, math team, National Honor Society, and Girls Who Code, Gracie has earned Academic All-State honors. She will be attending the University of Alaska Anchorage on a cross-country and track scholarship.
Sophie Stramel, Rosemount High School
The 2025 Hobey Baker Award Winner, 2025 Ms. Hockey Finalist, and Star Tribune's All Minnesota Girls Hockey Team 2025, Sophie Stramel led the Irish to three consecutive MSHSL State Tournament appearances. She was also a member of DECA, a youth hockey coach, a Best Buddy, and a volunteer for elementary schools. She will be Makayla Moran at Minnesota State University — Mankato, playing Division 1 hockey and studying psychology.
At the Athena Awards Luncheon on April 16, Sophie Stramel was proudly joined by her mom, Gretchen (Vogel) Stramel, who was a 1997 Athena Award Winner, and her coach, Jennifer (Swanson) Williams, a 1999 Athena Award Winner.
For additional photos and bios, visit the Athena Awards website.