This week’s Athlete of the Week is Crookston Pirate Girl’s Hockey player Reese Swanson. “When I think of Reese (Swanson) I think key player to our program,” said Pirates coach Emily Meyer. “She is the kind of player that regardless of where she plays, she can have success and thrive. I think everyone kind of looks to her to make big plays when we need them, and she’s just having a great season.”
The junior leads the team in goals this season with 19 and has also added 8 assists for a total of 27 points which is good for third on the team. Swanson has been playing since she was just two years old and has continued to thrive year after year. “I think she is an all-around better player this year and her confidence is really showing in her game,” said coach Meyer. “She knows what she wants and what she is working towards, and I think that drive has helped her become the player she is.”
Swanson also agrees that she is having one of her best seasons ever and gave a lot of credit to all the work that was done during the offseason. “I feel like all the different camps I went to this summer really helped me improve my game coming into the season,” said Swanson. “Specifically attending some shooting camps has helped my shot a lot and made me a better shooter.”
The Pirates are 15-5-2 on the season and should earn the #2 seed in the Section 8A Tournament that will begin next week. Swanson and the rest of the team have their sights set on a State Tournament appearance, but regardless of what happens, they just want to make sure they have no regrets. “I think it’s important that we just continue to have fun as we try and make the State Tournament,” said Swanson. “If it doesn’t end up going our way, I think it’s important that we know we gave it our all, and then for everyone coming back, it’ll be time to work hard in the offseason to try and do it next year.”
Away from the ice, Swanson is the starting goalkeeper for the Pirates Girl’s Soccer team, and also plays on the Softball team in the spring.
First started playing hockey – When I was 2
What is the best part of your game – Shooting
What part of your game do you want to see improvement on – My skating
Favorite hockey memory from over the years – I can’t pick just one, hockey has been such a big part of my life.
Favorite Rink away from Crookston – I like playing down in Blaine
Do you have a pregame ritual – I always eat a PB&J sandwich
Favorite sports team – Minnesota Wild
Favorite sport – Hockey
Favorite athlete – Kirill Kaprizov
Favorite Movie – Elf
Favorite TV Show – The 100
Favorite food – Spaghetti
Something people don’t know about you – I have a fear of Trypophobia
What music are you listening to – Rap
You’re stranded on a deserted island, and you can have ANY three people with you – my mom, Kambelle Freije, and Cassie Solheim
Plans after graduation – Not sure yet, would love to play hockey somewhere if the opportunity presented itself
Family –
Dad – Jeremy (Electrical Engineer)
Mom – Kristy (Executive Director of the Blue Line Club)
Brothers – Isaac (Graduated from Crookston, lives in East Grand Forks)
Peyton (Graduated from Crookston, currently getting his GED)
