Anya Anderson, a senior at Academy of Holy Angels and alumni of Nativity of Mary (grade school), has been named the recipient of the 2025 Athena Award, which honors the outstanding senior female athlete from high schools across Minnesota. Anya’s achievements in both softball and hockey, along with her leadership and academic excellence, have made her a standout student-athlete.

In softball, Anya earned five varsity letters, including two as captain, and has been a key player since 8th grade. She reached 150 career hits by her junior year and is on track to break the school record for career hits. She also earned four All-Conference honors and was named to the All-State Second Team in Class AAA in 2024. Additionally, she led her team to a State Tournament, two Section Championships, and earned multiple team awards for best offense and best defense over the past few years.
 

Anya also played varsity hockey for five years, contributing to her team's success, including a Section Championship and a fourth-place finish at state in the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Ryan LaMere, head coach, shared, “Incredible kid, incredible athlete, incredible student. Anya has been on the varsity team for Stars hockey since 8th grade. She is clutch on and off the ice in how she shows up for her team. Anya represents what AHA is all about - do good, do right, compete hard, and be a team player.”

Balancing her athletic commitments, Anya has maintained an impressive 3.9 GPA or higher throughout high school. Upon graduation this spring, she plans to attend Creighton University, pursuing a pre-pharmacy track; she was accepted into their prestigious Pharmacy Pre-Professional Scholars Program. In addition, Anya is a member of National Honor Society and is an active volunteer at Community of the Cross Lutheran Church in Bloomington.