This year’s the girls’ hockey team continues to play well with the combined effort of all the girls on the team, including a surprisingly large number of new freshmen players. One freshman in particular, Kelly Pannek, recently received recognition as the Star Tribune’s Athlete of the Week for scoring five goals in three games, leading Benilde-St. Margaret’s to the Blue Division Championship in the Schwan’s Cup.

While Pannek appreciates the recognition, she believes her hard-working teammates deserved it just as much as she did. “It’s kind of surprising because a lot of girls on the team are doing just as well,” said Pannek.

Although she gives credit to her other team members, Pannek greatly appreciates the title. “It doesn’t really happen that often. I guess it’s kind of a once in a lifetime thing,” said Pannek.

Much of the enthusiasm over the award came from her parents, who made sure to document their daughter’s success. “My mom was really excited…we usually don’t get [the paper], so she made my dad go get it,” said Pannek.

However, Pannek plans to keep up the good work to live up to higher expectations rather than letting the acknowledgement get to her head. “If anything I have to work harder to meet the standard,” said Pannek.

While the news of her recognition pleased her, it came from an unexpected source. “Mr. Zeckser told me because he found out from Mr. Herbst, our coach, so I kind of heard about it a little backwards,” said Pannek.

After recieving the award, Pannek has continued to play well, scoring one goal in the game against St. Louis Park and assisting a goal in the game against Spring Lake Park-St. Anthony.