We Are the League Feature Series: Meet Elliott Burnett

Editor's Note: Welcome to We Are the League, a feature series that recognizes the work, dedication and enthusiasm of individuals who are essential in making opportunities within the Minnesota State High School League a truly great experience for all. During this series, you will meet an incredible array of individuals, including student -participants, who will share their journeys through education-based activities. The League hopes you enjoy this recognition series.

My high school journey

• Sports have always been a big part of my life. I grew up playing football, basketball and baseball all year round. From playing flag football to travel teams for basketball and baseball, I was always doing some type of sport. This continued into my middle school and high school careers. As a sophomore, I started for the football and baseball teams and came off the bench during basketball. In my junior and senior years of football, we made the state tournament, losing in the quarterfinals my junior year and then losing in the semifinals my senior year. During basketball, we made the state tournament three years in a row starting with my sophomore year. We placed third my junior year and won a state title my sophomore and senior years. I also made the all-tournament team my senior year. These were one-of- a-kind experiences because of all of the different places I have gotten to play like U.S. Bank Stadium, Williams Arena, and Target Center. I am very grateful for all of the coaches I have had in these three sports because of the things they taught me. All of my coaches know the sports very well and were able to help lead us into successful seasons. I also have participated in band since sixth grade and have been able to be a part of the Granite Ridge All-Conference Band. This has been a great experience of meshing students from all of the schools in our conference into one band with only a couple of practices and then being able to put on a great concert.

Favorite high school memories

• Throughout my high school years, I have been able to experience some very special moments. Most of my favorite memories come during my sports. Obviously, winning the state championship two times in three years is at the top. One of the most exhilarating feelings I have had is walking up the stairs at Williams Arena to the floor and seeing all of the lights and fans. Another great memory is waiting in the tunnels at Target Center and U.S. Bank Stadium for the game before us to finish before running out onto the court and field. I think the one memory that tops all of these came at Williams Arena this year. It was the Class AA state championship game, and there were about four seconds left when a player from the other team shot the ball. I wanted to have that feeling of being the person to throw the ball in the air after the buzzer sounded. The ball hit the rim and another teammate and I went for the rebound, but I ended up with it. He seemed a little upset at me because it would’ve been his 10th rebound, but we were both smiling and laughing on our way to the group of other teammates who were storming the court. And then I launched the ball into the air before celebrating. During the award ceremony of the game, we both realized that he actually already had 10 rebounds, so we just started laughing at the moment. 

Why I enjoy being involved with high school activities

• I enjoy being involved with high school activities because they provide various opportunities, different life lessons, and unforgettable experiences. Through sports I was able to experience personal growth through different life lessons. All of the sports and activities have helped show me the importance of hard work and perseverance. High school activities are full of the highs and lows, but it’s these experiences that make us learn and grow the most. I enjoyed being in sports because of the ability to be a good teammate. Whether it's in a sport or just in life in general, being a good teammate is one of the most important aspects. Sports also helped me challenge myself. Sports tested how hard I could work and how to persevere when things weren’t going my way. All of my high school activities have played a crucial role in my life and shaping who I am today. During the journey through the next chapter of my life I will carry all of the lessons I have learned with me and continue to apply them every day. My plan in college is to become a Physical Education teacher and coach. I have learned so much from all my coaches and look forward to the opportunity to pass along these lessons to the youth I will get the chance to work with.