LaMotte named this year’s top female athlete at Burnsville High School

Burnsville High School senior Carley LaMotte received a 2026 Athena Award, which recognizes outstanding high school female student-athletes for their athletic accomplishments. The Athena Award, named for the Greek goddess of wisdom and skills, is based on excellence in individual sports or for participation and accomplishments in team sports.

Carley is a two-sport athlete – cross country and track – with a total of 11 varsity letters, including two letters in softball from two years of participation. She has received seven All-Conference and one All-Conference honorable mention awards. In 2023 and 2025, Carley was crowned section champion in cross county. During her 2024 and 2025 track seasons, she was the section champion for both the 1600- and 800-meter races. At state this year, Carley was the runner up in the 1600 meter.    

Carley’s high school running career has been impressive. From eighth grade to senior year, she shaved more than four minutes from her personal record. She made four consecutive state championship appearances in both cross country and track. Carley also set a new school record for the 1600 meters with a time of 4:48.83.

“Carley's career could be defined by numbers in terms of school records and victories, but the thing I will remember the most is her work ethic and drive for improvement,” said Charlie Burnham, cross country coach. “It feels like she had no ceiling to her achievements because every fall she would return as a more improved athlete than I thought possible.”

Abby Adkins, track & field coach, added: “It has been exciting to watch Carley compete and grow as an athlete the last four years in track and field. Carley is one of the fastest runners in the entire state right now and one of the most talented track and field athletes to ever graduate from Burnsville High School. Despite her incredible success at the state level, Carley continues to be such a humble, hardworking and motivated athlete. She is a wonderful role model for younger athletes and has always been so encouraging and supportive of her teammates. Her coaches and teammates are so excited to celebrate her achievements with her, and we are looking forward to seeing where her Division 1 career in running takes her!”

 With a 3.95 GPA,Carley is also blazing a trail in the classroom. Her academic career has included multiple honors-level and College-In-Schools (CIS) classes. She is a member of the National Honors Society and has earned Academic All-State twice in both cross country and track.

In addition to her numerous athletic and academic accolades, Carley is involved in leadership roles at Burnsville High School as a member of student council, Burnsville Strong and Link Crew.

“Carley is one of the most accomplished athletes in BHS history, representing the Blaze in multiple state championships for cross country and track & field,” said Kevin Kleiner, athletics director. “It has been a joy watching Carley compete and excel in her athletic endeavors. She’s an exceptional student-athlete and leader. We are extremely proud of her and look forward to watching her continue to grow as a member of the Gophers Cross Country and Track & Field programs.”

Next fall, Carley is headed to the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities on a track and cross country scholarship, and plans to major in kinesiology. 

Carley will receive her Athena Award at a ceremony on Friday, May 1 at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center.