The Athena Award recognizes senior female athletes from Minneapolis schools who have gone above and beyond in their athletic achievements. Senior Izzy Engle, Edina Girls Soccer Soccer captain, was the 2024 Athena Award winner from Edina High School. “There’s so much competition of amazing athletes from all around so winning the Athena Award is such an honor for me,” she said. 

The Minneapolis Athena Award states, “We want to celebrate and support [the Athena Award winners] as they go on to powerfully impact and inspire others as they go out into the world.” The Athena Award committee has planned a luncheon event on May 3, in which the committee will present each of them with the award to honor their excellence in athletics. 

This year was a big deal for Izzy Engle, who scored two goals in the game that led her team to win the Class 3A Minnesota State Soccer Tournament for the first time since 1986. She also was named Ms. Soccer of Class 3A, Metro Player of the Year, and most recently won the Athena Award. Engle has committed to Notre Dame to play Division I Soccer. “My parents both went there and it’s always been a dream of mine to go,” she said.

Engle attributes much of her success in soccer to her incredible support systems. “My parents are my biggest support system emotionally and I also couldn’t have done any of this without my teammates and coaches always cheering me on,” she said. 

Engle has been playing soccer since she was two years old. Already during her freshman year of high school, she was playing for the Varsity Girls Soccer team. Her passion for the sport has developed immensely, making her the player she is today. “One thing that motivates me is thinking of the dream of the younger version of me. Now looking back there’s so much I’m grateful for and I see that what I’ve always dreamed of, some of the stuff I’ve already achieved,” Engle said. 

Engle’s positivity on and off the field helps her thrive in her sport and is exactly what the Minneapolis Athena Awards recognizes in senior female athletes. “I think that all the values I have learned through soccer will benefit me. How I build relationships, be a part of a community, and just approach every situation in a positive light,” she said. She hopes to play professional soccer past college. “I’d love to make my sport my job,” said Engle, who notes an interest in inspiring the next generation through soccer.

This piece was originally published in Zephyrus’ print edition on April 18, 2024