St. Francis High School (SFHS) has announced Sydney Borchert as the school’s 2025-26 Athena Award recipient, which recognizes senior female athletes for their dedication in the classroom, in competition and in the community.
Borchert has been submitted as SFHS’s nominee for the state award, which will be announced at the 54th Annual Minneapolis Athena Awards luncheon on Friday, May 1 at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center.
Borchert has excelled in the classroom, in band and in the circle on the softball field. She owns a 4.069 GPA, has earned the AP Scholar Award and is the secretary for the National Honor Society. Borchert is a five-time academic all-conference award winner. She plans to study cellular and molecular biology and play softball at Winona State University.
Softball: A member of the varsity softball team every year since seventh grade … Five-time all-conference and all-section award winner … Eamed All-State Second Team as a junior … Two-time Mississippi 8 Pitcher of the Year … Helped lead the Saints to a program-best third place finish at the state tournament as a sophomore where she was recognized as a member of the MSHSL All-Tournament Team… Helped guide the Saints to a conference championship … Surpassed 750 career strikeouts last season … Totaled 100 hits as a junior.
Band: A four-year participant in band (clarinet), which includes being a section leader as a senior … Named all-conference band twice.
Other Accomplishments: Competed in debate sophomore year and was a Novice A Division State Champion in Policy Debate
Sydney on her leadership and character: “I think I consistently demonstrate exceptional leadership, sportsmanship, and character both on and off the field. In athletics, I lead by example through strong work ethic, accountability, and encouragement of teammates. I promote unity, mentor younger players, and maintain composure in high-pressure situations. I show sportsmanship by showing respect to opponents, officials, and coaches, celebrating victories with humility and accepting setbacks with grace. Within the school community, I’m known for reliability, kindness, and integrity. I think I actively support peers, participate in school activities, and serve as a positive role model, representing the school with pride in all I do.”
About the award: The Athena Award is given to one senior girl athlete from each participating school who has distinguished herself in special individual athletic achievement or superior achievements in one or more sports.
Congratulations Sydney!