April 17, 2025

We would like to extend a heartfelt "thank you" to all those who attended our volunteer informational meeting on Tuesday at Twin Oaks Middle School! If you were unable to make it to the meeting, it is not too late to get involved with the News Compass. We are seeking volunteers in the following areas: news reporting (no experience necessary — we'll train you!), photography, advertising sales, marketing and fundraising. You can reach us at [email protected] for more details.

April 17, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

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TOP STORY

Former Prior Lake Laker McKenna Hofschild worked with other coaches leading the UConn Huskies to another national championship. Submitted photo / McKenna Hofschild

It takes a star to make stars

Former Prior Lake High School basketball coach Mike Gidley had his eye on a spunky second-grader who would be on the floor shooting hoops just for fun during breaks in a game. He knew then that McKenna Hofschild had what it took to be a fantastic hoopster and hoped in later years he would have the opportunity to coach her.

Gidley actually did coach Hofschild for a decade as the young Prior Lake player transitioned from a Prior Lake Athletics for Youth team to being a leading scorer for the varsity Lakers. He’s followed her accomplishments through her college athletic career, and finally last week, in her role as a graduate assistant in the University of Connecticut’s 12th women’s national basketball championship, beating South Carolina 82-59 for the title.

She estimates the total points she scored for Prior Lake was in the neighborhood of 2,400. That number does include her headline-grabbing performance when playing against Park Center in 2018 during which she broke a state record that stood for 37 years. In that single game, Hofschild scored 63 points.

“Being involved in PLAY was a huge part of my development,” Hofschild said. “And I was very blessed with family members who put me in a good position from the start. My family members were my biggest cheerleaders.”

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NEWS/SCHOOLS

Spring sports in full swing

Several Laker teams are finding their way in the beginning of South Suburban conference play; the Laker Roundup catches you up with some of our teams.