A Prior Lake track athlete has been named this year’s recipient of the Athena Award.

Layla Vennink has been bestowed the honor, according to a release from Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools. The award is given to outstanding female student-athletes who not only excel in athletics, but also academics, leadership and community involvement.

The senior and St. Thomas commit is a star at running at distance. Vennink has ran varsity track and field and cross country for six seasons. In the fall, she has earned four state medals en route to becoming a two-time all-state selection. She holds school records in the 2-mile (11:41) and 5K (18:04) runs, has twice been named team MVP and finished sixth at state last season while serving as a team captain.

In the spring season, Vennink has her eyes on a fifth trip to state. Overall, she has earned five state medals and three all-state selections, including running as a leg of the state champion 4×400 meter relay and finishing runner up in the 800 meters last year. She holds the school record in the 800 and recently ran in the event at the New Balance Nationals meet.