Senior Spotlight – Annika Swenson

Plans After Graduation

I plan to major in Secondary Education and I want to teach Earth Science! I’m still undecided about a school, but I hope to play volleyball as well.

Honors (Volleyball or Academic):

Academic Letters (2023, 2024, 2025)
National Scholastic Art and Writing Gold Medal (2025)
Harvard Prize Book Award (2025)
AP Scholar with Distinction Award (2025)

Finish this sentence. I will always remember: (can be life related or volleyball)

Traveling to New York City and feeling like I’m inside a movie!

What has volleyball taught you?

Volleyball has taught me how to manage my time more than anything else. Balancing practices, games and tournaments on top of school plus a social life is challenging at times but it’s made me a more efficient and organized person overall.

What are your goals for your Senior Year?

Having fun with my friends and enjoying this last chapter of high school is my main one!

Do you have a favorite meal or dessert?

Street tacos!

Favorite Candy

Freeze Dried Sour Skittles

Favorite Bottle Drink

Sparkling Ice

3 Favorite Apps on your phone?

Camera, Instagram and Spotify

What or who makes you laugh?

My friends and family, especially my dad with his awful dad jokes

Other activities or organizations you are involved with or enjoy?

I’m a part of National Honors Society, book club and my church’s youth group

What have your coaches taught you?

That I can always get better, both mentally and physically, each and everyday.

How would your family or close friends describe you?

Quiet and introverted when you first meet me, but if I’m close with people then I’m more outgoing and goofy around them!

What are some things you feel you can’t live without?

My friends, music, books and crocheting

Do you have any superstitions?

Nope!

Do you have any favorite sports teams or athletes?

I love watching the Minnesota Frost and the Wild with my sister!

What is one thing you would put on your “bucket” list?

I’ve always dreamed of traveling to Iceland!

Favorite Quote:

“Don’t tell me the sky is the limit when there are footprints on the moon” -Paul Brandt

Best memory from LVNVB?

Finally winning the Milan Mader tournament with my team last year!

Advice for younger players?

Don’t ever doubt yourself, I promise your dreams are possible!

Message to my parents:

Thank you for supporting me through everything. You are the reason that I’m still playing volleyball today, because without your love and support for me I don’t know where I would have ended up. You’ve shaped me into the person I am today and I’m so grateful for everything! I love you!!!