Alasan Ann made his Olympic debut at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Photo: Grandmaster Eui Lee
’Tis the season for celebrating champions.
This last year has been a whirlwind for Maple Grove athletes. From global stages to the roar of local football stadiums, these extraordinary athletes have proven themselves to be among the best in their sport.
In this, our Best of Maple Grove issue, it seems fitting to celebrate a few of those who are the best in their sport, representing Maple Grove near and far. Join me as I catch up with these remarkable athletes and reflect on their road to success. After all, their achievements inspire not only the next generation of athletes but also the community that takes pride in their excellence.
A True Testament
From the mats at Grandmaster Lee’s World Taekwondo Academy to the cheers of Paris, Maple Grove’s Alasan Ann reveled in the journey to the Olympic Games Paris in 2024. Ann recalls stepping onto the Olympic stage as electric. “I felt my body tingling. It was insane, and the feeling of everyone cheering as I walked out onto the stage, especially for taekwondo, [it was an] unforgettable experience,” he says.
Ann originally appeared in our July/August 2024 issue; at the time, he said, “It’s an honor to be able to compete. I’m excited to show what I can do.” And show his talent he did. Although Ann didn’t bring home a medal from his first Olympic games, the experience was thrilling—and he says he is “gunning” to make it to the Olympic Games Los Angeles in 2028.
In recalling his time in Paris, he adds, “When coach and I were in the waiting area right before my walkout, I remembered when I was at my first national win, waiting in the holding area before my final match just sitting there with my coach and the other coaches of the team, eating before my last fight. [It’s] a memory of how far I’ve come.” Visit maplegrovemag.com to read Alasan Ann Makes History at the Paris Olympics.
Making Moves
Daniela Del Mastro, 14, won the FILA Easter Bowl 14U Singles USTA National Spring Championship. Photo: @yourgameface
At just 14 years old, Daniela Del Mastro has her eye on the prize. Since we last spoke with Daniela in our September/October 2024 issue, she has played tennis around the world. She was selected to represent Team USA in America’s Cup at USTA (United States Tennis Association) National Campus in Florida, where the team defeated Canada, Mexico and the South American Federation. She was one of four who qualified for Les Petits As in France, which hosts the top 13U players in the world. Daniela was the consolation singles champion and made it to the semifinals in doubles; as a part of that trip, she participated in an event in England, making it to semifinals in singles and winning the doubles title. In March, she won the FILA Easter Bowl 14U Singles USTA National Spring Championship held in California.
“It was an honor to represent my country,” Daniela says. “I had so much fun bonding with my teammates and experiencing Europe together.”
Daniela continues to work hard on her game—both physically and mentally. “I meet with a sports psychologist and that helps a lot with pressure, expectations and the emotions of wins and losses,” she says, noting that learning to live away from home, fueling herself nutritionally and preparing for matches has been a learning experience.
As for Daniela’s tennis future, she has her end goal in sight. “My goal is to improve every single day,” she says. “I know that losing is a part of eventual success, and I always try to learn from disappointment. I try to never get too high or too low. I am confident in my team and have an amazing support system.” Visit maplegrovemag.com to read Daniela Del Mastro Makes Her Tennis Dreams Come True.
Staying Power
Maple Grove Senior High School’s Crimson team clinched the 2024 Minnesota State Championship. Photo: Jenae Hubbard
Last November, Maple Grove Senior High School head football coach Adam Spurrell led the Crimson to an undefeated season, ultimately claiming the Minnesota State Championship, and he says they’re ready for next year.
In the off-season, Spurrell has seen a record number of students at the 5:50 a.m. workouts. “We have many young men who are competing in other sports and are becoming better athletes each day,” he says. “It’s been awesome to watch the players progress to this point.”
Their previous success is a reminder to stay focused on new challenges. “Each team is their own identity,” he says, noting that they try to create a championship mindset among players. He adds that recent players have served as incredible role models, and he knows the current senior group will continue to do so. “I know that we have a strong culture already built, and we have players, coaches and families that love being a part of this Crimson family and are ready to go on the next journey,” he says—and on to the next season they go.
Celebrating Big at Super Bowl LIX
Besty Fine (right) and her daughter, Abbi (left), attending Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. Photo: Betsy Fine
When Betsy Fine, a teacher at Weaver Lake and Rush Creek elementary schools, exited the building one day in November, she received the surprise of a lifetime. “I knew that the 60 purple, yellow and white balloons, and Viktor, the mascot, were legit,” Fine says of her being honored as the Minnesota Vikings Fan of the Year. “Immediately, I felt a bit undeserving but very, very grateful for what my daughter, Abbi, had done, and all of the people that came together to make the award a reality.”
Fine’s grandfather, Bill Shaller, was an original bondholder in 1961, and Vikings season tickets have been in the family since. Although Fine began reluctantly watching the Sunday games (“I could either learn the game … or be banished to my bedroom,” she says.) she now says, “Being a Vikings fan is a way of life for me.”
Fine’s nomination was selected out of 400 applications due to her devotion to the team and her 35-year tenure as a public educator. As a part of the recognition, Fine and Abbi were invited to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, where they attended the big game and the NFL Honors event, standing on the red carpet and talking to and taking selfies with Vikings players and reporters.
She says, “Although I bleed purple, this experience has allowed me a more in-depth look into the organization … The Vikings organization and owners care deeply about the fans, about their employees (including the players and their families) and winning. I was happy to be a Vikings fan before. I am now a proud Vikings fan.”
