When the final point was scored, the cheers from the home crowd weren’t just for the dominating victory—they were a celebration of Coach Debi Foss's 100th win. After 13 years of coaching, Debi stood proudly with her team, reflecting on the journey that led her to this milestone.

The unique qualities that men bring—a sense of humor, firm handshakes, or words of wisdom—offer benefits that shape a child’s school experience. Fathers provide strong role models, demonstrate the importance of showing up, and offer different perspectives contributing to a well-rounded upbringing. Hillcrest’s “Dads at the Doors” is a reminder of how small acts of presence can lead to big impacts.

Statistically, the team showcased a stellar performance, despite not playing to their fullest potential. Ruby Peterson delivered a standout game, achieving 9 kills, 17 digs, and an impressive 40 set assists. The night marked a special achievement for Peterson as she reached her 2,000th set assist for the Comets. It was a milestone moment that came after a career-high 48 set assists just days earlier against Pelican Rapids.

At Hillcrest Academy, memory work goes beyond rote learning; it is a practice of internalization through reciting liturgies, Scripture, and church doctrine. These practices guide students to see the world through the lens of God’s truth, framing their understanding and shaping their intellect. Memory work becomes a spiritual discipline that reinforces character and confidence, laying a mental and spiritual pathway for intellectual exploration and moral formation.

The Comets showcased both veteran leadership and young talent in their hard-earned victory. Senior Emily Adams led the way with a career-high 21 kills, adding 12 digs and 2 ace serves to her stellar night. Ruby Peterson demonstrated exceptional versatility, notching 5 kills, a staggering 48 set assists, 14 digs, and an ace. Ella Knutson was another key contributor, tallying 12 kills, 20 digs, and 1 ace serve, providing both offensive firepower and defensive stability.

The personal experience shared by Sam Nash illustrates the profound impact of cultural diversity on their child's social development. As their family moved from Wisconsin to Minnesota, one of their sons quickly connected with peers from various countries through the soccer team at Hillcrest. This connection not only helped him forge friendships but also provided a platform for cross-cultural interactions that enriched his understanding of the world. The ability to engage with classmates from Norway, Korea, and other states in America, in addition to local communities, fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance, which is crucial in a child's formative years.

The Comets' offensive onslaught was led by Emily Adams, who delivered 8 kills and 13 digs, playing a critical role on both sides of the ball. Her precision serving was on full display as she went 16/16, including an ace. Ruby Peterson’s outstanding playmaking was vital to the team’s rhythm, as she recorded 39 set assists and 11 digs. On top of that, she was perfect from the service line, going 10/10 with 2 aces. With just 125 more sets, Peterson is approaching a significant career milestone of 2,000 set assists.

The chess club serves as a microcosm of the school's broader classical approach to education. Chess encourages students to think deeply, set meaningful goals, and seek the guidance of others to achieve success. Through the game, students not only learn about strategy but also about character—how to handle defeat with grace, how to win with humility, and how to mentor others along the way.

Though Hillcrest’s serving percentage dipped slightly, with Kenzie Miller being the only player with 100% serving accuracy, the team’s ability to rise and perform in key moments made the difference this week. Each player’s contribution was vital, and their dedication to preparation and discipline shone through, helping the Comets claim another conference victory.

Knitting, therefore, becomes a living metaphor for the Christian life. As the students in "Knitwits" work on their projects, they are reminded that God has woven them into His grand design, with purpose and intention. Through this practice, they see how their small, everyday choices contribute to the larger pattern of their lives, a pattern God has ordained for good. As the students of Hillcrest Academy engage with these simple, structured practices, they not only create beautiful works of art but also learn how to live disciplined, organized lives—grounded in faith and purposeful action.

The Comets' defense, anchored by EJ Cho, Gabriel Mazon, and Caleb Holm, showed their determination to protect freshman goalkeeper Will Selvig, who recorded his first varsity shutout with six key saves. Coach Rod Jensen praised his squad for their defensive grit, especially in a game complicated by gusty winds.

Head Coach Debi Foss highlighted how the team has been working on galvanizing their unity throughout the summer. "Our girls have worked all summer to build this unified spirit, and it’s showing in every set we play. Their joy, commitment, and chemistry on and off the court have been key to our success.”

The Comets’ ability to capitalize on Underwood's miscues, combined with their refusal to give up, was the defining factor in this hard-fought victory. With over 200 rushing yards and three touchdowns from Swedenberg, along with a balanced passing attack led by Swedberg's three touchdown passes, Hillcrest emerged victorious after a night of intense back-and-forth action.

The match started strong for Hillcrest when Drew Fischer launched a rocket from 38 yards to beat the Laker keeper just six minutes into the game. Although Detroit Lakes quickly responded, tying the game 1-1, the Comets kept up their pressure. Lincoln Nash put the Comets back in the lead, following up a deflected shot from Junior Captain Kian Stender, with a second-half goal from Stender and another from Fischer sealed the victory.

With strong fundamentals, a commitment to growth, and standout performances from key players, the Hillcrest Comets are building momentum with every match. Their summer of hard work is clearly paying off, and as they continue to refine their play, the Comets are poised for even greater success.

At the end of the evening, the girls crowded into Dawn's family room with pens and paper and wrote letters to themselves. What was planned for a five-minute activity stretched into 20 as the girls bent carefully over their work, some flipping the paper and writing on the backs—the letters in sealed envelopes to save and give back to the girls in the spring. Just think how much can happen between now and then, and that's where we guide, influence, teach, and pray for these precious students.

"Although we didn’t come away with the win, the effort was there, and I’m proud of our team," Coach Rod Jensen noted of the Comets effort. "We created many offensive opportunities and are learning from our mistakes. It's never ideal when games hinge on penalty kicks, but we’re using these moments to make key adjustments."

Hillcrest showcased their growing prowess on both sides of the ball in a decisive 56-26 victory over the Ortonville Trojans on September 6th. From the first quarter, the Comets asserted control, stringing together a powerful offensive game led by Ethan Swedberg while the defense held firm with key interceptions and relentless pressure.

Despite the loss, the Comets showcased their potential, with standout performances from Ewan, who rushed for 167 yards and scored three touchdowns, and Swedberg, who threw for 108 yards and two touchdowns. The team will use this game as a learning experience, addressing the defensive lapses and capitalizing on their offensive strengths.

Students were treated to a memorable message from Mrs. Julie Stender, the Lower School Academic Dean. Her talk on the "Four Habits of the Heart" powerfully brought biblical wisdom and life lessons to life. The students started the chapel with a time of worship before Mrs. Stender called the auditorium to recite the four habits, setting the tone for an engaging and thoughtful lesson.