PRIOR LAKE, Minn. - On Wednesdays on KARE 11 Sunrise, we feature women who are crushing it in life.
This week, however, we're throwing in a bonus day. That's because athletes are making major moves, contributing to the success of Minnesota women's sports.
Although the Lynx lost in the first-round playoff elimination game, they were the defending WNBA champions. But it's not just the pros making Minnesota proud.
In the middle of a school day, in jeans and heeled boots, Prior Lake senior McKenna Hofschild throws on her jersey and makes shot after shot on the basketball court – just as she did in Saturday's game against Park Center. And then some.
"Never really expected that to happen," Hofschild said.
Hofschild scored 63 points that day, breaking the single game scoring record in Minnesota for girls basketball. In that game, she also surpassed 2,000 points in her high school career.
"It's huge for me and I just feel so proud of the accomplishment," she said. "It was just a big night."
Need more proof Minnesota women are crushing it in sports? Check out the Gophers. The basketball team is ranked the highest it’s been in 12 years. The volleyball team claimed its third Big Ten title and advanced to the NCAA tournament for the 23rd time.
"People are starting to realize this is a pretty cool sport," outside hitter Alexis Hart said.
Of course, we can't talk Minnesota sports without talking hockey. The Whitecaps, the newest professional sports team in Minnesota, are finding success and gaining fan support in their first season with the National Women's Hockey League.
Of course, it doesn't hurt when you have a few Olympians on your roster.
With all of this success, it looks like the future of Minnesota's female athletes is bright.
"I think it's such a big thing for everyone to see that women’s sports and just women in general are making such a big impact right now," Hofschild said. "We're kind of earning the respect we've deserved for a while now."
Hofschild is set to play college basketball. However, she will be leaving Minnesota for an opportunity play at Seton Hall University in New Jersey.