Racing towards the soccer ball. Photo by Marissa Martinson

 

Cooper Sande wears many hats as a student athlete at Holy Angels and in the Stars’ nonconference matchup Saturday with Benilde-St. Margaret’s, the senior midfielder donned a cap he’s rarely had on this season.

Sande scored his fourth goal of the year, helping Holy Angels cruise to a 3-0 victory over Benilde-St. Margaret’s in the regular-season finale for both teams Saturday at Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School.

His goal gave the Stars a 1-0 lead in the 39th minute, but the soccer pitch is not the only arena where Sande is finding success.

The perennial Honor-Roll member maintains a 3.65 GPA while playing soccer, hockey and lacrosse for Holy Angels.

Sande’s schedule may be strenuous but he prefers staying occupied to help quiet his chaotic mind.

“I just have to stay busy,” Sande said. “If I’m not doing anything, and I don’t have anything going on, that’s when I get too much on my mind.”

Sande is more than a role player on his other athletic teams. The senior is an assistant captain for the Stars’ hockey team and is a co-captain on the school’s lacrosse team, where teammates have noticed his leadership skills.

“He’s an all-around nice chap,” Becker said. “I like to think we’re good friends, and I kind of look up to him.”

The versatility Sande shows while navigating the extracurricular circles of his life also comes in handy on the soccer field, Stars’ assistant coach Scott Daly said.

“He keeps everything controlled in the middle for us,” Daly said. “He adds a physical presence, and he can even jump into the attack, if we need him to.”

Sande’s ability to successfully wear so many hats is not limited to athletics, Daly said.

“He’s a great student, a nice kid, and he’s a good role model for his teammates and fellow students,” he added.

First Report

 

Senior midfielder Cooper Sande scored with 37 seconds remaining in the first half and junior forward Ben Becker scored his team-leading 14th goal of the season late in the second half to propel Holy Angels to a 3-0 win over Benilde-St. Margaret’s in the regular-season finale for both teams Saturday at Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School.

Sande’s goal came off a succession of slick passes by the Stars (13-2-1, 7-1-0), ranked No. 7 in the Minnesota High School Soccer Coaching Association’s Class 2A poll.

Becker scored with 2:54 remaining in the second half.

Hugh Bernhagen finished off the scoring for Holy Angels when the senior midfielder converted on a penalty kick with 1:31 to play in the game.

The Red Knights (7-9-1, 3-3-1) put eight shots on net but failed to capitalize on any of their scoring chances.

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