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Prior Lake forward Ornes leads on, off the pitch

By Star Tribune, 10/28/14, 6:27PM CDT

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Prior Lake forward Kaija Ornes just completed her final season as a member of the Laker girls’ soccer team.

Prior Lake forward Kaija Ornes just completed her final season as a member of the Laker girls’ soccer team. She was one of the five finalists for Ms. Soccer.

“Kaija is an all-around great player,” Lakers coach David Graham said. “She is a tireless worker and a great leader on and off the field.”

Ornes, who was the team’s MVP in her junior season, concluded her career with 26 goals and 27 assists in the highly competitive South Suburban Conference. She had four goals and 11 assists this season.

“Her stats this year were a bit lower than previous seasons, but that is due to the fact that teams focused on her defensively,” Graham said. “They would double-team her, put their most physical player on her, and try to limit her impact on the field. Despite this, she was still a factor in most games this season due to her ability to set up scoring opportunities and open up the field of play for other players.”

Ornes also has been an all-conference and first team all-state selection the past two years. She had 11 goals and 11 assists her junior season.

“She had a great career at Prior Lake and her presence on the field will definitely be missed next season,” Graham said. “She will certainly go down as one of the top players to come out of Prior Lake High School.”

The past three seasons, the Lakers posted a 41-11-4 record with Ornes in the lineup. She will continue her soccer career at Colorado State University.

Here is a closer look at Ornes, who is also a member of the Nordic ski team in the winter:

 

Q: Three words or phrases my friends or teammates might use to describe me?

A: Hardworking, honest and fun.

 

Q: How did you get started playing the sport or sports you play now in high school?

A: I have been playing soccer since I was a kid. My older cousin got me into Nordic skiing.

 

Q: What did you work on most prior to the season?

A: Preparing myself for college.

 

Q: At my first varsity practice, I was …

A: ... excited and anxious .

 

Q: What is your favorite meal prior to a game/meet?

A: Pasta.

 

Q: To get focused for a game/meet, I …

A: … visualize the game and hang out with my friends.

 

Q: What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete?

A: Playing in the Class 2A, Section 2 championship the last two years. [Both of which wound up being 1-0 setbacks to Eden Prairie.] Also, being able to spend so much time with some of my friends.

 

Q: What was it like when you found out that you were one of the five finalists for Miss Soccer?

A: I was very excited to find out I was a finalist. It is a very big honor to be nominated.

 

Q: How would you sum up your high school soccer career?

A: I have been playing for the Prior Lake community for almost 14 years. I have made many friends through playing for the community. High school soccer was a blast for me. I was able to play with all of my friends from Prior Lake in all grades. I have enjoyed the last four years building a solid high school soccer program. I got to be part of a changing team, one which worked hard and brought its best every day.

 

Q: How do you balance school and sports during the year?

A: I get my homework done right away. I stay on top of school.

 

Q: What is the best sports advice you ever received?

A: Work harder than you think you need to, and stay positive .

RON HAGGSTROM