Mound Westonka High School is proud to name senior Natalie Miner as the 2024 recipient of the Athena Award. Candidates for this “outstanding female athlete” award must demonstrate excellence in individual or group sports. Westonka has been celebrating the top female athlete since 1973.

"Natalie Miner is an outstanding student-athlete and a great representative from Mound Westonka as the 2024 Athena recipient,” said Activities Director Jeff Peterson. “Natalie has an unmatchable drive to be the best she can be in everything that she tackles. Congratulations, Natalie!”

Other finalists for the 2024 MWHS Athena Award were seniors Ally Eidsness, Camryn Hargreaves, Marissa Nelson, Cassie Nemecek and Camryn Winther.

Miner is a three-sport athlete, competing in soccer, hockey, and track and field. Miner earned a total of 15 letters during her career, including a letter in cross-country.

A five-year member of the soccer team, Miner led her team in both goals and assists. She was captain and MVP for two years and earned two conference awards. One of Miner’s favorite sports memories is the bus rides to and from soccer games with all her best friends and listening to Coach Adrian’s funny jokes.

Miner earned the Hobey Baker Award in hockey. A five-year member of the varsity team, Miner was a captain for two years and earned the Most Valuable Defense Award. A four-year member of the track and field team, Miner was a True Team state participant and a member of the Conference Championship Team.

In addition to sports, Miner is a National Merit Finalist, junior officer of the National Honor Society, and recipient of Academic All-State and All-Conference Awards, and an Academic Excellence Award. Miner is Student Senate president and communications officer. She is also vice president of DECA, a two-time DECA state champion, an international finalist, and a six-time international qualifier. She is president of “Like a Girl,” a women's empowerment project.

Natalie is the daughter of Stephanie and James Miner of Minnetrista. She plans to attend Duke University to major in math and economics.

Miner will represent MWHS at the 52nd Annual Minneapolis Athena Award Luncheon, which will be held May 3 at the Earle Brown Heritage Center. She will be one of more than 50 outstanding senior women honored from public and private high schools in the greater Minneapolis area. To learn more about the event, visit the Minneapolis Athena Award website.