Fall sports are winding to an end, with great final games and sectional tournaments from the volleyball team, tennis team, football team and more. However bittersweet these endings are, there is reason for excitement, because the winter sports season is coming soon! This frozen season offers hockey, basketball, skiing, swim, and more, and these wintry sports remind us of the fun that this cold upcoming season has to offer. Here’s a look at Southwest athletes’ upcoming chilly endeavors.
For those looking for fast paced action, teamwork, and playmaking, look no further than the Southwest basketball program! Both the boys and girls seasons take place during winter time, and there’s a lot to anticipate. This squad has only one senior with Ruby Johnson (‘26) on the team, but that won’t hold them back from having a spectacular ‘25-’26 season. Varsity girls’ basketball player Lucy Kranz (‘28) said, “I think it’s gonna be a good season. We’re gonna try to push hard and we have some good games coming up.” With those words of endorsement, she had a message for the Laker student section. Kranz said, “You guys–really show up with your Laker spirit, and be ready for some great dominations.” The Laker basketball teams have high expectations for the student section, and have assured us that we can have high expectations for them too.
Another sport that Laker sports fans should look forward to is boys swimming. The Laker boys swim team used to be in the AA division, but a move down to the A division has set the swimmers up for a promising upcoming season. Jackson Jaglo (‘27) said, “Our roster is not a very big roster, but we have a lot of, I would say, heavy hitters on the team; we have a lot of potential.” It isn’t just a likelihood of success that makes this season exciting. Jaglo also mentioned a rivalry meet which will be taking place this winter. “This year, our rivalry meet against TMT–which is Teddys, Millers, and Tigers; the joint team of Roosevelt, South, and Washburn–is a home meet… we have potential to beat them… so that would be a really cool meet to go to.” In summary, “I’d say this year’s gonna be a pretty great year for swimming, potentially one of the best teams we’ve ever had, I think it’s highly possible that we’d break upwards of four to seven records this year…I think it’ll be a good year for the sport and I think it’ll be a fun year,” said Jaglo. It’s clear that Southwest boys swimming this year will not be a sport to miss.
Another exciting winter activity is the alpine ski team! It is a co-op team, so all the Minneapolis Public Schools are a part of it, but we have lots of Laker representation on the team! Louisa Swenson (‘28), said, “I am most excited to get on the snow and at Highland. Once it gets cold enough, we get to practice at Highland every single day…It’s gonna be such a great season; we’re going to state!” In addition to being excited about current team members, Swenson also said, “We’ve got a great team this year, but we’re always looking for more recruits. So if anyone has an interest in skiing, please join the team. It’s lots of fun, you don’t need any racing experience…we’re welcome to anyone!” Southwest also has a nordic ski team that races throughout the winter. This year could be a good year to join skiing, no matter if you’re looking for a competitive, successful season, or if you’re just looking for a fun outdoor winter activity!
If you’re looking for another thrilling and action-packed winter sport, Minneapolis hockey could be the one for you! Like skiing, hockey is a co-op sport, and combines to one team for all of the Minneapolis Public Schools for both boys and girls. It is a great opportunity to meet lots of new people and hone your skills! Tallulah Knoke (‘27) said, “It’s gonna be hype…[this season’s] gonna take us far, it’s gonna be a great season, and I’m really excited for it! Fill the nest! We just need fans to come out and support. It’ll help us win!” So whether you’re looking to join, or just looking for an exciting game to go enjoy, girl’s hockey could be just the sport for you!
The final winter sport that can’t be missed this year is Southwest gymnastics. The gymnastics squad, along with performing amazing technical feats, is unique in its team camaraderie. Vivian Peske (‘28) said, “[I’m excited about] hanging out with my team, that’s the most fun part. I think we have the best team bond, probably out of any team in the school and any Minneapolis gymnastics team.” This bond is only one of the special things about this team. Peske says, “We have a lot of new people joining, so we’re gonna definitely be a bigger team this year and you know what, we’re gonna win everything.” The confidence, the skill, and the team heart is what makes this gymnastics team so spectacular, and what makes their meets so critical to see.
With all these thrilling possibilities, and more, it’s looking to be a great, fun-filled winter for us Lakers! So whether you’re looking for one that will have you out enjoying the cold wintery weather like skiing, or trying to stay indoors like basketball, swimming, or gymnastics, or even something in between, like hockey, we hope you’ll find one that’s perfect for you, whether you’re a participant or fan!
