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

Senior Mesaiya Bettis received the 2025 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.

Mesaiya topped off her volleyball career at Burnsville High School by breaking the school record for kills, surpassing former Blaze standout and BHS Hall of Famer Tori Dixon. 

"It doesn’t feel real," said Mesaiya. "Tori built such an incredible name for herself, and now I realize how far I can go, too."

This year, Mesaiya was a finalist for the Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year and Ms. Baden Award. She was also named an All-American by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) and named to the 2024 Star Tribune All-Minnesota volleyball team. 

“She has made a name for herself but has done so with such humility and grace,” said Coach Josh Wastvedt. 

“Mesaiya will go down as one of the best athletes, not only in Burnsville Girls Volleyball history but in Burnsville athletics history,” said Kevin Kleiner, athletics director. “Mesaiya was a joy to watch compete, and we cannot wait to see what she does in college and beyond. She is a fantastic recipient of the prestigious Athena Award and joins a special group of accomplished student-athletes.”  

Next fall, Mesaiya is headed to Iowa State University on a volleyball scholarship and plans to study kinesiology. 

Mesaiya will receive her award at an awards luncheon on Friday, May 2 at the Earle Brown Heritage Center.