The Minnesota Cross Country Coaches Association met August 7 at Eastview High School in Apple Valley. Each year the association awards scholarships to one girl and one boy from each class. This year, Laura Sunnarborg of Minnetrista earned the girls AA scholarship.

Sunnarborg was the girls Runner of the Year at Mound Westonka for six straight years. She earned All-Conference in each of those years and was the Conference Champion twice. She participated at the state meet three years and earned All-State Academic once.

In addition to being a three-year captain for the White Hawks, Sunnarborg contributed to the cross country community by volunteering at numerous races and working with the Westonka elementary chapter of Girls on the Run and middle school Heart and Sole Girls on the Run.

The scholarship committee considered the full resume when choosing the winner from each class. Sunnarborg’s academic achievements include being a National Merit Commended Scholar and an AP Scholar with Distinction. She was also involved in numerous activities at Westonka including Co-President of DECA and President of Environmental Club. She was Co-Founder of Greater Twin Cities High School Environmental Coalition and President of the Hennepin Division Board of the Minnesota Association of Student Councils.

Westonka cross country coach Butch Humbert spoke of Sunnarborg's numerous qualifications:

“Despite all her accomplishments in a myriad of ways, it is Laura’s personality and character that define her success. It is so special how Laura can be extremely competitive and committed to a purpose, yet maintain a sincere and grateful attitude every day in every way. She has that perfect coalescence of “IQ” and “EQ,” and exudes a kindness and gentleness. At the same time, however, she is driven with a steely motivation and an endurance that embodies the spirit of cross country and the best of human nature.” 

Sunnarborg will continue running cross country this fall at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. She will also compete in both indoor and outdoor track and field for the Gusties.

Sunnarborg shared with the association, “Cross country has given me the courage to compete, taught me how to be a good teammate, and demonstrated the importance of service. My love for running has been largely shaped by my ultra-supportive coaches, my kind, fun, and hardworking teammates, and the positive community of cross country runners.”