Jeff Brown – Class of 1962

Described by classmates as both shy and easy-going, Jeff Brown quietly built an athletic legacy at Edina. A six-time Varsity letter winner and Homecoming King, Jeff made his mark on the field and the track.

In 1960, he was part of the Edina-Morningside football team that went undefeated in Lake Conference play. As a senior co-captain in 1961, Jeff’s leadership and skill earned him the titles of Team MVP, All-Conference, and All-State.

In the spring, Jeff shifted his speed to the track, where he earned three Varsity letters. At the 1960 State Championship meet, he anchored the mile relay team to victory, setting a State meet record that stood for eight years.

After graduation, Jeff attended Cornell College, where he continued competing in football, cross country, and track. He went on to a 34-year teaching and coaching career at Orono High School, inspiring students across multiple sports.

Today, Jeff and his wife make their home in Maple Plain, where they enjoy fishing, pheasant hunting, and biking — a well-earned reward after a lifetime of athletic and educational achievement.

Patrick Cronan – Class of 2002

A standout multi-sport athlete, Patrick Cronan earned six Varsity letters during his Edina career—three each in soccer and basketball.

On the soccer field, Patrick’s leadership and skill set him apart. As a senior captain, he was named All-Conference for the second time and earned both All-State and All-Metro honors. That same year, he helped guide Edina to its third consecutive State Championship title, cementing the team’s place among the program’s greats.

Patrick’s athletic talent extended to the basketball court, where he also served as team captain his senior year. He earned All-Conference recognition and was selected to play in the Minnesota State Basketball All-Star Game.

Patrick continued his soccer career at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, playing during his freshman and senior seasons. Despite injuries that sidelined him for two years, his perseverance and passion for the sport earned him the 2005 William G. Reddan Spirit of Soccer Award, given annually to the student-athlete who best exemplifies dedication, perseverance, and love of the game.

Today, Patrick lives in Edina with his wife, Karin, and their growing family. He continues to share his lifelong love of soccer as a dedicated youth coach, inspiring the next generation of athletes.

Lauren Williams Chucko – Class of 2002

Lauren Williams Chucko was the epitome of a year-round athlete, excelling in Cross Country, Nordic Skiing, and Track & Field. Over her Edina career, she earned nine Varsity letters and served as captain of all three teams her senior year—a rare and remarkable achievement.

A standout distance runner, Lauren qualified for the State Cross Country Championships three times and helped lead her team to a Lake Conference title and a second-place finish at State in 1999, the program’s highest placement at that time.

Lauren went on to compete for the University of Minnesota, where she continued her success across Cross Country and Indoor and Outdoor Track. Her dedication and endurance earned her 12 collegiate Varsity letters, a testament to her consistency and drive.

Her passion for running has never waned. At age 40, Lauren ran a sub–5-minute mile and finished as the women’s runner-up in the 2022 Twin Cities 10-Mile—proving her competitive spirit is as strong as ever.

Lauren and her husband, Kris, live in Edina with their two daughters, where they continue to proudly support the Hornets and the community that helped shape her athletic journey.

Aaron Witchger – Class of 2003

For Aaron Witchger, soccer was more than a sport—it was a family tradition. Growing up in a household where everyone loved the game, Aaron and his brothers spent countless hours practicing in their backyard on a goal their dad built himself.

As a freshman, Aaron earned a starting spot on the Edina Varsity team, playing alongside his brother Andy. That season, Edina captured the first of three consecutive State Soccer Championships, with Aaron’s skill and field presence playing a key role in the team’s success.

Edina Hall of Fame coach and assistant Bill Garner described Aaron as “the best player we’ve ever had in Edina—one of a kind.”

After graduation, Aaron accepted a scholarship to play soccer at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he competed for two seasons before transferring to the University of Minnesota.

Today, Aaron and his wife, Lesley, live in Edina with their three children. He continues to share his passion for the game by playing, watching, and coaching his kids—keeping the Witchger soccer legacy alive for the next generation.

Mark Handberg – Class of 2013

Fueled by a deep passion for competition and a relentless drive to improve, Mark Handberg stood out as one of Edina’s most versatile athletes. A three-sport standout, Mark earned nine Varsity letters in football, basketball, and baseball—excelling in every season.

On the gridiron, Mark helped lead the Hornets to a Lake Conference Championship and a trip to the State Tournament—the program’s first in more than 30 years. On the basketball court, he was known for his intensity and defensive grit, helping his team capture the Lake Conference title, finish third at State, and earning the title of Defensive Player of the Year.

But it was on the baseball diamond where Mark’s true passion shined. He helped Edina secure two Lake Conference Championships, setting the stage for a collegiate career that included time at both the University of Nebraska–Omaha and the University of St. Thomas, where his team captured the MIAC Championship in 2017.

Today, Mark lives in the Twin Cities metro area and enjoys time at the family cabin in Alexandria—still bringing the same love of sport and competition to everything he does.

Graham Woodward – Class of 2013

With two Indiana-born parents, it’s no surprise that basketball was in Graham Woodward’s DNA. By the time he graduated from Edina High School, Graham had etched his name into the record books as the all-time leading scorer in school history, amassing 1,804 career points.

A dynamic guard with a smooth shooting touch, Graham set multiple Edina records, including points in a game (46), season points (848), season scoring average (27 per game), and season free-throw percentage (85%). His outstanding play earned him All-Conference, All-Metro, All-State, and State All-Academic honors—each twice—as well as recognition as a finalist for both Minnesota Mr. Basketball and the McDonald’s All-American teams.

In 2013, Graham led the Hornets to a 24–8 record and an impressive third-place finish at the Minnesota State Tournament, where he was the event’s leading scorer with 86 points across three games. A true multi-sport athlete, he also competed in football and golf during his Edina career.

After receiving 20 Division I scholarship offers, Graham chose to play at Penn State before transferring to Drake University, where he continued to excel on the court—and where he met his wife, Nicole, also a collegiate basketball player.

Today, Graham and Nicole live and work in Chicago, carrying forward their shared love of the game and the competitive spirit that defined his Edina years.

Olivia Anderson – Class of 2015

Olivia Anderson discovered her love for swimming at a young age—realizing early on that her natural stroke carried her across the pool faster than most. Joining the Edina High School Swim and Dive Team as an eighth grader, she made an immediate splash, setting the tone for a remarkable five-year career.

During her time at Edina, Olivia captured four individual State Championships in the 100 Breaststroke, helped secure three team State titles, and contributed to five relay State Championships—a record of excellence that helped cement Edina’s dominance in Minnesota swimming.

Olivia continued her swimming career at the University of Texas at Austin, where she became a two-time Big 12 individual champion and a four-time Big 12 team champion as part of one of the nation’s premier collegiate programs.

Her accomplishments extended far beyond state and collegiate competition. Olivia qualified for the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials in 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024, advancing to the semifinals at each. She was also a three-time U.S. National Junior Team member and proudly represented Team USA at the 2013 World Junior Olympics.

Today, Olivia lives in Edina, where she continues to give back to the sport—coaching and mentoring young swimmerswith the Aquajets team, inspiring the next generation to chase their dreams in and out of the pool.

Taylor Williamson – Class of 2015

Like many kids growing up in Edina, Taylor Williamson laced up her skates at an early age—and it didn’t take long for her talent and determination to shine. Earning a spot on the Varsity hockey team as a freshman, Taylor quickly became one of the program’s most decorated players. She was named All-Conference and All-State in each of her four seasons, and as a senior captain in 2015, she was honored as the Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year, the Ms. Hockey Award winner, and a member of the MSHSL All-Tournament Team.

Taylor continued her hockey career at the University of Minnesota, where she helped lead the Gophers to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including a National Championship in 2016.

In 2019, Taylor faced a life-altering challenge when she was diagnosed with a brain cyst requiring immediate surgery, followed by a diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis, a rare neuromuscular disorder that temporarily took away her ability to speak, smile, and skate. Through remarkable perseverance and months of rehabilitation, Taylor returned to the ice—culminating in a storybook moment when she scored the game-winning goal against Wisconsin in the WCHA Championship.

Today, Taylor lives in St. Louis Park with her fiancé, Spencer, and the two will be married in October. Her courage, resilience, and love for the game continue to inspire everyone who knows her story.

Matt Gabrielson – Coach, Edina Girls Cross Country

Each fall, Matt Gabrielson takes on the challenge of leading more than 100 girls, ages 12 to 19, as head coach of the Edina Girls Cross Country team. He wears many hats—coach, mentor, friend, nutritionist, nurse, and counselor—guiding each athlete to find her inner strength, motivation, and belief in her own potential. His coaching philosophy emphasizes both performance and personal growth, inspiring runners to push for new personal bests while fostering a strong sense of team and community.

A multi-sport athlete in high school, Matt went on to compete for Drake University on a Track and Cross Country scholarship, where he became a 12-time All–Missouri Valley Conference performer and earned numerous conference honors for his leadership and excellence.

Since taking over the Edina Girls Cross Country program, Matt has led the team to four State Championship titles, along with two runner-up and two third-place finishes, establishing Edina as one of the state’s elite programs. His dedication and success have earned him multiple Minnesota and national coaching awards, recognizing both his results and his impact on young athletes.

In addition to coaching, Matt teaches 4th–5th grade in Edina’s Highlands Elementary CP Program, where his passion for mentorship extends beyond athletics. He lives in Edina with his wife, Julie, and their three school-age children.

Mellanie Pusateri – Coach, Edina Swim & Dive

For Mellanie Pusateri, swimming has always been a lifelong passion. A standout Varsity swimmer in high school, she went on to compete for St. Catherine University, where she capped off her collegiate career with a trip to the Division III NCAA Finals as a senior.

After earning her Physical Education degree from St. Kate’s, Mellanie began teaching at South View Middle School in 1992—and it was there she discovered her true calling: coaching. Starting as an assistant with the Edina Girls Swim and Dive program, she soon rose to the role of head coach, leading the Hornets from 2001 to 2005. During that time, her teams captured three State Championship titles and earned two runner-up finishes, solidifying Edina’s legacy as one of Minnesota’s premier programs.

Known for her kindness, compassion, and quiet strength, Mellanie’s influence reaches far beyond the pool. In recognition of her positive impact on students and the community, she was honored as the Edina Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year in 2015.

Today, Mellanie continues to inspire both in the classroom and on the pool deck. She and her husband, Ryan, live in Edina with their three children and are enthusiastic supporters of all Minnesota sports teams.