Maple Grove's Abbey Oakland Showcases Cross-Training Success Ahead of State Tournament

As the state tournament season unfolds, Abbey Oakland, a senior at Maple Grove High School, is poised to make history with her relay team in the track and field state tournament. Her impressive track record includes participation in eight state tournaments across three sports.

"The second I stepped on the track, I wanted to keep coming every day," Oakland remarked, highlighting her passion for distance running.

Distance running aligns perfectly with Oakland's competitive nature and serves as a crucial component of her training for soccer, another sport she excels in.

"In the fall [for soccer season], I was always super fit and ready from track, and I just think that helped a lot," she explained, emphasizing the benefits of cross-training.

Winter brings a shift as she transitions to hockey, further diversifying her athletic experience.

"It just makes me excited for each season, and I don't feel any burnout," Oakland added, reflecting on the advantages of being a three-sport athlete.

In today's sports landscape, multi-sport athletes are increasingly rare. Oakland stands out not only for her participation but also for her consistent success at the Minnesota State High School League state tournament.

"It helps me be very versatile," she stated. "I just feel like I see the sports from a wider angle."

Her distance coach, Hannah Hempe, recognizes the value of this versatility. "Running can be repetitive. How you approach a race might have some of the same strategies, so she hears so many different strategies both in soccer and hockey about how to approach competition," Hempe noted.

The Maple Grove Crimson girls relay team is now focused on achieving a historic top-three finish in the state tournament.

"We'll be right in there with them, and I know all the girls in my relay will battle until the end," Oakland asserted confidently.

Hempe added, "I know [her relay teammates] would love to leave Abbey [the only senior] on that note with that top three finish."

The track and field state tournament kicks off Thursday, marking a significant moment for Oakland and her team.

Marielle Mohs is excited to share stories from her home state of Minnesota, having grown up in Eden Prairie and South Minneapolis.