Comets Close Fall Season Recognizing Big Achievements
As autumn leaves fall across Hillcrest, student-athletes are making the switch from fall sports to the winter season. This fall season has been one for the history books, filled with record-setting performances, conference and section championship banners, and moments of courage that define what it means to be a Comet.
The Hillcrest football team’s season has been nothing short of spectacular. With an undefeated regular season (8-0) and a Section Championship that propelled them to 10-0, and a first-round win in the State tournament, the Comets have stormed through opponents with conviction and unity to an undefeated record of 11-0.
The honors poured in as fast as the touchdowns:
Sub-District MVP: Ethan Swedberg
Sub-District Special Teams Player of the Year: Kian Stender
Sub-District Coach of the Year: Korey Fry
All-Sub-District honors went to Ethan Swedberg, Levi Bowman, Sean Berge, Drew Fischer, Luke McGuire, Dane Larby, and Griffin Haus, while Jeremiah Oleson, Xander Knutson, and Maverick Peterson earned Honorable Mention recognition.
The Hillcrest volleyball team played with grit and grace this fall, finishing an incredible 18-5 and earning the title of Little Eight Conference Co-Champions alongside Parkers Prairie with a 7-1 record. Their run carried them all the way to the Subsection Semifinal, where their resilience was on full display.
Individual achievements tell a story of hard work and excellence:
All-Conference First Team: Ella Knutson and Kenzie Miller
All-Conference Second Team: Elsa Retzlaff
1000 Career Digs: Ella Knutson
In the classroom, their dominance continued, earning both the Team Gold Academic Award and Individual Gold Academic Awards for Knutson, Natalie Maggert, Kenzie Miller, Maddie Miller, Chloe Walkup, and Ruby Walkup.
This team’s blend of scholarship and skill reflects the heart of Hillcrest: disciplined, determined, and devoted to honoring God through excellence.
Few teams have displayed the consistency and chemistry of the boys’ soccer squad. With a regular season record of 11-1-3 and a playoff semifinal appearance, the Comets captured the Lakes to Prairie Conference Championship.
Their roster boasted an impressive six All-Conference Selections — Zane Holmquist, Will Selvig, Lincoln Nash, Benjamin Hordnes, Marco Salasar, and Drew Fischer. Kian Stender earned Honorable Mention, rounding out a lineup that played for one another with courage and conviction.
The girls’ soccer program continued to build momentum this year, finishing 8-7 and advancing to the Section Quarterfinals. Their determination and faith were visible in every match, a team that refused to back down, regardless of the score.
The honors rolled in:
All-Conference: Mari Fjeldskaar, McKinlee Ballweg, and Dakota Campbell
Honorable Mention: Kaia Fiskness, Maggie Mark, Alexa Ewan, and Sarah Diniz
And a standout moment: Maggie Mark (Underwood) earning All-State Second Team recognition, a remarkable achievement that reflects her exceptional play and leadership.
The girls’ team continues to grow stronger each year, grounded in trust, teamwork, and a shared mission to glorify Christ on and off the pitch.
As the fall winds down, with football carrying the banner a little longer, Hillcrest celebrates a season that has strengthened not only trophies and titles but also character and community.