01/27/2026
Congratulations, Kayla! We are so proud of you!! Join us on Monday during half time of the basketball game to celebrate💚💛
Join us on February 2nd, during half-time of the boys basketball game to recognize and honor senior Kayla Larsen on being selected as the 2026 Athena Award recipient.
The St. Paul Area Athena Awards program honors outstanding female high school senior student-athletes from St. Paul and suburban public and independent high schools for their athletic achievements. The award is based on excellence in individual sports or for participation and accomplishments in team sports.
Athena is the Goddess of Wisdom and Skills. She was brave and possessed the essence of all that is noble. Legend tells us that she possessed the gifts of dignity, power, and youth, making her invincible.
Kayla is the daughter of Nicole and Brant Larsen and the proud sister of Owen and Ian. She is an outstanding student, maintaining an impressive 3.845 GPA while challenging herself with honors and college-level coursework.
Kayla is a dedicated three-sport athlete who has made a significant impact in volleyball, basketball, and softball. In volleyball, she is a five-time letter winner, earning Honorable Mention, three All-Conference Academic Awards, and an Academic All-State Award. She was a 2021 State Tournament participant, recorded 500+ career kills, was featured twice as a Minnesota Breakdown Featured Player, served as a two-year team captain, and received the Senior Activity Award.
In basketball, Kayla earned three varsity letters, received three All-Conference Academic Awards, and served as a two-year team captain. In softball, she is a two-time letter winner, earned two All-Conference Academic Awards, and competed as part of the 2025 State Tournament team.
Beyond athletics, Kayla is actively involved in her school community as a member of the National Honor Society and Link Crew, and she has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to service. Her volunteer efforts include working with LARA Wildcat Skills Basketball, LARA Volleyball, packing Thanksgiving meals at Chisago Lakes Lutheran Church for two years, participating in the Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup Crew for four years, and volunteering at Chisago Lakes Softball concessions.
Kayla has also been recognized as an Academic Letter winner, further reflecting her dedication to excellence in the classroom. Following graduation, she plans to attend St. Mary’s University in Winona, MN to continue her volleyball career, and pursue a future in Occupational Therapy.
Kayla truly exemplifies the ideals of the Athena Award through her leadership, academic achievement, athletic excellence, and service to others. Congratulations, Kayla.
