Minneapolis senior Kersti Nelson has a wide variety of interests and she makes time to pursue them all. She competes in volleyball, basketball, and track & field, is involved in Lionettes dance team, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honors Society, Art Club, the fall musical, and spring play. Outside of school, she enjoys the outdoors by camping and hunting. On top of all that, she makes sure to stay on top of her schoolwork and strive for great grades. To be successful in all of her roles is something she works hard for.

“I have always been a motivated, dedicated student-athlete,” said Nelson. “I have always pushed for good grades and found them very important, so I would say that is what motivates me to be my best in the classroom. In athletics, I always work my hardest and push myself for my team. I am not scared to let down my team because that would cause me to play with fear, but I always keep in mind that my performance affects them and use it to motivate me.”

Nelson’s teammates are important to her, and working with them on the court is what she enjoys the most about being a high school athlete.

“My favorite thing about competing for my high school is my team,” she said. “I love being with all of my friends and working together to perform well. The feeling that we all worked together to represent our school and community with a victory is what I look forward to the most.” 

Outside of class, Nelson spends ample time outdoors.

“I have grown up hunting, fishing, and doing many other outdoor activities,” she said. “We have three 4-wheelers and a razor that we ride on the dirt trails and roads around our house. Camping is my favorite outdoor activity because it allows me to unplug from all the stress and worry of life. I love exploring new outdoor places and finding beauty in nature!”

Behind many great student-athletes you can find a role model who they have learned from. For Nelson, it is her mother.

“I look up to my mom, Holly Nelson, as a role model because she is an amazing person inside and out,” she said. “She constantly portrays kindness, patience, and love. She is the most thoughtful person I have ever met, and my hope is to be half the person she is one day.”

After high school Nelson will be attending Hutchinson Community College on a volleyball scholarship with plans to pursue a major in elementary education while earning a two-year graphic design degree.