Soccer

The exemplary achievements of Michael Thomas '73 in multiple sports at SPA, and his subsequent athletic career, reflect his extraordinary talent and dedication and contribute to his well-deserved induction into the St. Paul Academy and Summit School Athletics Hall of Fame. 

Mike Thomas was a multi-sport athlete at St. Paul Academy and Summit School, earning letters in soccer, hockey, and baseball. His contributions to soccer were particularly outstanding; he earned All-MISL and All-State honors and was named a High School Midwest Regional All-American, captain and team MVP. In hockey, his leadership and scoring prowess were pivotal and he served as an alternate captain and led the team to an unprecedented number-one ranking in the state. He garnered All-State honors and was awarded the Blake Shepard Hockey Award, which recognized his exceptional performance and sportsmanship.

Mike's athletic journey continued at Yale University, where he played four years of hockey and was named captain of the team his senior year.  His college career was marked by notable achievements, including a memorable performance of scoring four goals in a 5-4 win against the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Mike was also the first player to be awarded the Murray Murdoch Award twice which recognized Mike for leadership and as the most valuable player of the program. Mike would go on to lead the team in scoring for two years, accumulating an impressive 51 goals and 88 points during his 3 years with the Varsity team. His talent earned him a tryout with the Minnesota North Stars, and he would go on to play professionally for several years, showcasing his skills across various leagues.

Mike's impact went beyond his on-field accomplishments. Known for his quiet humility and sense of humor, he was a respected teammate who led by example and kept the atmosphere positive and enjoyable. Mike’s achievements and contributions to St. Paul Academy and Summit School make him an ideal candidate for induction into the Athletics Hall of Fame. 

It is with great pride that we induct Thomas "TJ" Gorence ’75 into the St. Paul Academy and Summit School Athletics Hall of Fame. TJ's exceptional achievements in athletics during his time at SPA and beyond are a testament to his talent, dedication, and leadership.

TJ Gorence's impact on St. Paul Academy and Summit School's hockey program was remarkable. A captain of the state championship hockey team, he led the team with determination and skill. Over his four-year varsity career under Coach Mike Foley, TJ amassed 130 goals, 118 assists, and 248 total points, placing him twentieth on the Minnesota State High School league’s All-Time scoring list. He would go on to play hockey at the University of Minnesota on an athletic scholarship. Beyond hockey, TJ excelled in soccer and track & field at SPA. Under Coach Manuel Lagos, he demonstrated his athletic versatility on the soccer field and in track & field, he showed exceptional power, excelling in the 400-meter events. Coach David Montgomery recalls, “TJ exemplified an outstanding work ethic. He was a fantastic leader and mentor throughout his athletic career. In my book, his anaerobic power was unmatched. A true legend in SPA track history.”

At the University of Minnesota, TJ played under the legendary Coach Herb Brooks and was part of the team’s NCAA Division I Hockey Championship victory in 1976.  He would go on to be  drafted in the second round of both the NHL and WHA drafts in 1977.

His professional career began with the Philadelphia Flyers, where he played right wing from 1978 to 1984. Notably, he was a part of the Maine Mariners’ inaugural AHL Calder Cup Championship team in 1978, scoring the cup-winning goal. His career further included a memorable stint with the Edmonton Oilers and Wayne Gretzky during their 1984-85 season, which led to the team's Stanley Cup victory. After an illustrious career, TJ retired from professional hockey in 1986.

Thomas "TJ" Gorence’s contributions to sports and his exemplary leadership both at SPA and in his professional career have made a lasting impact. His remarkable achievements and dedication to excellence contribute to his well-deserved induction into the St. Paul Academy and Summit School Athletics Hall of Fame.

J. Peter Sawkins '81 was a talented three-sport athlete at St. Paul Academy and Summit School and professional hockey player. 

Peter had an impressive SPA soccer career and was named All-Conference and All-State his senior year. During his senior season, the team compiled an impressive 13-1-2 record, including a 3-2 win over Benilde St. Margaret’s to win the MISL Championship and a State runner-up finish after a quadruple overtime loss against South St. Paul. He was also a baseball standout, serving as captain his senior year, and recognized as an All-Metro player.

Hockey, however, was where he shone the brightest. He served as captain of the program and received All-State and All-Conference accolades multiple years. Peter was awarded the Frenzel Athletic Bowl for his athletics accomplishments. 

Peter went on to attend Yale University where he excelled in soccer and hockey. In soccer, Peter was All-Ivy all four years and recognized as an NCAA All-American in 1984. On the ice, Peter was recognized as a two-time All-Ivy league award winner and an All-ECAC honoree his senior year. While at Yale, Peter was also a member of the 1982 United States Junior National Hockey Team that competed in the world junior tournament in Leningrad, Russia. For his athletic achievements at Yale, Peter was awarded the Mallory Award in 1985 recognizing Yale’s most outstanding senior male athlete.

Peter was drafted 144th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 1981 National Hockey League Draft. He played two years in the LA Kings farm system with the New Haven Nighthawks, Flint Spirits, and Toledo GoalDiggers. Although he chose to attend Yale and later sign with the Kings, notably Peter was also drafted in soccer by the Minnesota Kicks of the NASL in 1981 and the Minnesota Strikers of the MISL in 1985.

After over 20 years in various corporate roles, including 8 years as Director of Sports Trading Cards at Topps, Peter returned to St. Paul Academy and Summit School in 2011 to serve as the Athletics Director for 4 years. He then joined Hackley School in New York where he is currently the Director of Auxiliary Programs and Sports Marketing.

Gerard Lagos '88, a standout athlete in soccer, basketball, and track, has embodied what it means to be an athlete throughout his life. 

At SPA, Gerard immediately impacted St. Paul Academy and Summit School athletics, playing 5 years of varsity soccer from eighth grade through his senior year. During that time, he received multiple MVP honors and All-State recognitions. He was a Dave Winfield Award finalist, the Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year, the regional Gatorade Player of the Year, and the Minnesota State High School League Mr. Soccer in 1987. Gerard was ranked the number one recruit coming out of Minnesota in 1988, and a newscaster at the time referred to him as “the Pelé of Minnesota soccer.”

Gerard was also a force in varsity basketball for three years and contributed significantly to the track and field team. He co-captained the basketball team his junior and senior years and had a reputation as a defensive specialist, press breaker, and rebounder who played with formidable physicality. He brought determination and versatility to the track and field team, where he was competitive in every event but the pole vault. 

Throughout his high school career, his leadership and athleticism earned him many accolades, and in his senior year, SPA recognized his athletic accomplishments by awarding him the Frenzel Athletics Bowl.

Gerard earned a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to play under legendary U.S. Soccer Coach, Bob Gansler. He excelled athletically and academically at UWM, where he was recognized as All-Conference, All-Region, and an Academic All-American. He was inducted into the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005. 

In 1989, Gerard represented the United States in Saudi Arabia at the FIFA soccer Under-20 World Cup. He was a key contributor to the team's historic fourth-place finish. In the early ‘90s, he played professionally in France for two and a half years before returning to play a dozen years for the Minnesota Thunder. The Thunder made four national championship appearances, winning a national title in 1999. He was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame in 2002.  

Gerard’s commitment to soccer extends beyond his playing days. He has coached extensively at grassroots levels and beyond, including at SPA, The U.S. Olympic Development Program, and with the St. Paul Blackhawks, where he has impacted numerous young athletes. His dedication to community engagement and youth development underscores his enduring impact on Minnesota soccer.

Lagos's journey serves as an inspiration for future generations of athletes. In sports and life, he embodies the values of perseverance, dedication, and leadership. St. Paul Academy and Summit School is proud to induct him into our Athletics Hall of Fame.

A renowned soccer player, Tony Sanneh ’90 was known as a gifted scorer and a crafty playmaker. He was an integral part of the nationally recognized St. Paul Academy and Summit School boys’ soccer program in the late 1980s.  Tony, along with teammate Manny Lagos, lettered as 8th graders on a team that finished 3rd in state. He helped lead his team to State Championships in 1986 and 1987 and a runner-up finish in 1989. The ’88 team was named "One of the Best Teams in the United States'' that year and went on a 63-game winning streak over two and a half seasons. Tony was a two-time All-State selection and was awarded the Frenzel Athletics Bowl at commencement his senior year. 

Tony also led the basketball team in scoring his senior year, was Conference Player of the Year, and represented the metro area in the State All-Star game winning the Dunk Contest and being named honorable mention All-State. On top of these already impressive accomplishments, Sanneh was also 3-time letter winner, 2-time captain, and 1st doubles player on the Tennis Team.

Tony attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he became one of the most decorated student-athletes in the history of the Milwaukee Men's Soccer program, setting school records for points (138), goals (53), and assists (32). He currently holds the record for most points and assists with the program. In addition to being named an All-Conference First Team honoree, he was recognized as an NSCAA All-Mideast performer as a freshman and sophomore and earned All-America honors. He also helped the Panthers to their highest national ranking to date at No. 9 and an automatic berth to the 1990 NCAA Tournament. 

He went on to play professional soccer, eventually earning a spot on the United States Men’s National Soccer Team. Tony would make 333 professional soccer appearances, netting 97 goals between 1994 and 2009. He ended his national team career with forty-three international appearances and three goals, and played a significant role in the 2002 World Cup, where he started all five games.

In 2003, he founded The Sanneh Foundation to leverage what he saw as soccer’s unique potential to create positive social change for youth. Serving as President and CEO, Tony is a driving force in the Twin Cities soccer and nonprofit communities, empowering youth and improving the lives of those in the community. 

In addition to his executive leadership role with The Sanneh Foundation, Tony serves as a Sports Envoy on behalf of the Sports United Division of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. In this capacity, he has worked in numerous countries including Cyprus, Bangladesh, Kenya, Cote D'Ivore, Bahrain, Haiti, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Malaysia, and Bolivia to further American cultural values of diversity and gender equity initiatives.

Lorle Ahern Cumming '39 played numerous sports while at Summit School. Cumming served as captain of the girls' soccer team during the 1934-35 season, captain of the field hockey team from 1938-39, and participated in fencing.

In soccer, she led the Blistering Bunnies to four victories against The Rockets. Both programs were comprised of students in the Junior High at Summit School.

Lorle was a member of the varsity field hockey team her sophomore through senior year. As a sophomore in the fall of 1936, Lorle contributed to the freshman/sophomore team defeating the junior/senior team 2-1 and contributed to the team's closely fought 1-0 win over St. Mary's in 1937 and the team's 5-1 win over St. Mary's in the fall of 1938.

Sports have played a role throughout the life of Juliette Brynteson Nelson '76.  Her interest in athletics at SPA evolved into her competing in collegiate soccer, to later becoming a coach and advocate for athletics.

Growing up with two older brothers (Jim ’72 and Richard ’73), Julie played football and other sports with them throughout childhood. At St. Paul Academy and Summit School, Julie served as the team manager for boys’ soccer, compiling statistics and working with legendary SPA coach Buzz Lagos. Working with Buzz, Julie was able to study the game of soccer from the sidelines, and later to develop her skills in important summer playing opportunities he identified for her in the Twin Cities.

This set the stage for her collegiate career at Harvard after brother Jim suggested she join the women’s soccer program in its initial season. In its formative years, Julie's leadership and offensive prowess were instrumental in Harvard's success, and she would help the team secure its first two Ivy League titles and achieve an impressive record of 36-5-3 over three years. At this time Title IX was pushing educational institutions across the US to promote athletic programs for women. Julie’s contributions extended beyond her efforts on the field, as she worked behind the scenes to develop the program and build the camaraderie that shaped and ultimately defined Harvard Women's Soccer’s ethos during its formative years, and, alongside her teammates and coaches, helped establish an enduring foundation of excellence. Upon induction into Harvard's Varsity Club Hall of Fame in 1999, Julie acknowledged the pivotal role that sports played in her life, shaping her journey far beyond the playing field.

From playing soccer in the highlands of Papua New Guinea where she served as a Peace Corps volunteer to playing in Haiti where she and her husband were involved in humanitarian work to pursuing a teaching and coaching career in independent schools, Julie has long used sports as a way to connect with those around her. She has also coached a wide range of teams from youth to collegiate level players and worked to foster community through sport by working to support and encourage participation in athletics. 

In honoring Julie Brynteson Nelson, we celebrate not only her athletic achievements but also her commitment to sportsmanship, community, and the values that define the spirit of the St. Paul Academy and Summit School Athletics Hall of Fame. And we celebrate decades of growth of opportunities for girls and women in sport and the importance of faculty mentorship as embodied by Buzz Lagos in his time at SPA.

Toni Lagos Cainkar '78 was a leader in athletics and achieved remarkable success that left a lasting impact on the legacy of girls’ sports at St. Paul Academy and Summit School.

At SPA, Toni demonstrated unparalleled dedication and excellence as a student-athlete. She served as captain of both the basketball and track and field teams, embodying leadership on and off the court and field. She was the recipient of twelve letters across basketball, track and field, cross country, and soccer during her four years at SPA, a testament to her versatility and skill.

Toni's achievements extended beyond participation, as she set school records in numerous track and field events and tied for the second-most points scored in the conference during the 1975-1976 basketball season. Her prowess on the court and track earned her widespread recognition, including multiple "Athlete of the Month" awards from local newspapers and was a finalist for the prestigious Dave Winfield Award, which honored the most outstanding student-athletes in the Twin Cities area.

Following her stellar high school career, Toni continued to excel at Brown University, where she played basketball and served as captain her junior and senior years. Her impact was profound, earning national recognition as the record holder for most blocked shots in women's basketball at the time. Additionally, her athleticism extended to track and field, where she was named to the All-Ivy League Team by Ivy League coaches and secured conference titles in the 100-meter hurdles and the 4x100 relay.

Toni Lagos Cainkar's induction into the St. Paul Academy and Summit School Athletics Hall of Fame honors her enduring legacy of sportsmanship, competitive spirit, and athletic achievements. Her journey from a standout high school athlete to a record-setting collegiate competitor is a testament to her dedication, skill, and enduring impact on the world of sports.

Elizabeth “Beth” Lilly '81's induction into the St. Paul Academy and Summit School Athletics Hall of Fame, honors and recognizes her exceptional achievements as a standout athlete and leader in women’s athletics. Throughout her time at St. Paul Academy and Summit School, she played five different sports and showcased both athletic skill and leadership throughout her high school career.

Beth's tennis career at SPA was nothing short of legendary as she played varsity tennis for an impressive five years, achieving remarkable success. During her time competing, her team clinched the State Championship four times, and Beth won the State Doubles Title twice, first in 1979 with Elizabeth Mairs and again in 1980 with Becky Hart. Her leadership culminated in captaining the team her senior year.

In golf, Beth pioneered the first girls' varsity golf team her senior year at SPA where she not only captained the team but also became the first girl from SPA to qualify and compete in the High School State Golf Tournament where her brother Jim, served as her caddy. In basketball, Beth was a mainstay on the varsity basketball team for four years, serving as captain her senior year. She also competed on the varsity soccer team for two years and was a member of the varsity track and field team beginning her freshman year.

Following SPA, Beth continued to excel in athletics at Hobart William Smith Colleges, where she played varsity tennis and soccer, captaining the soccer team her senior year. She also helped begin the rowing program, which has since become a varsity program for both men and women.

Beth’s ability to be a consummate team player is evident in her ability to inspire others as well as lean on her teammates to achieve success. She recalls the invaluable guidance of figures like Coach Cliff Caine in tennis and Coach Tom Doar in basketball, along with the steadfast support of her doubles partners and teammates for helping her reach her goals. Beth’s impressive accomplishments and achievements stand as a testament to perseverance, leadership, and a lifelong dedication to sportsmanship.

Eliot “Elie” Foster Donahue '94, was a talented and skilled athlete at St. Paul Academy and Summit School, contributing to the success of numerous SPA programs including the varsity soccer, basketball, and softball programs. On the soccer field, Elie served as a captain for both her junior and senior seasons, and helped her team to numerous successful seasons, while helping lead the team to an impressive 14-1-4 record, earning All-State honors. In her senior year she was voted All-Metro Soccer by the Star Tribune and All-State by the Pioneer Press. She also competed on the basketball team, where her tenacity and strategic play led to her service as team captain. She would conclude her time at SPA as recipient of  the Girls Athletic Bowl in recognition of her exceptional leadership and athletic contributions.

Considered one of the top soccer recruits in the country, Elie continued her career at Stanford University, where she emerged as a standout midfielder and leader. Starting 75 out of 78 career games and serving as a two-time captain, she helped the Cardinal to a top 5 national ranking every season she was on campus. Her exceptional skills, including agility, footwork, and goal-scoring, made her a pivotal player. Her coach at Stanford, Steve Swanson, lauds her as one of the best midfielders he has ever coached and said that “Elie was a selfless, disciplined, and natural leader who prioritized team success above all else. Her impact extended beyond the field, influencing teammates and coaches alike.”

After Stanford, Elie was drafted into the inaugural Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) and played for the Boston Breakers.

Elie Foster Donahue's athletic achievements and exemplary character make her a fitting addition to the SPA Athletics Hall of Fame. Her passion, perseverance, and leadership are all traits that embody what it means to be an athlete.

Keren Gudeman '94 was a talented multi-sport athlete while at St. Paul Academy and Summit School, competing on the soccer, basketball, and track and field teams and serving as captain of all three teams. In her junior season, the girls’ soccer team went 14-1-4 and Keren led the team in scoring with 21 goals. She would be named All-Metro and All-State honorable mention following her junior season. In her senior season, she helped lead the team to an impressive 16-3 record, and was named to the All-State soccer team by the Pioneer Press. In track and field her senior season, she was a member of the 4 x 800 team that competed in the state track meet.

Keren played soccer and lacrosse at Harvard University, where she helped lead the soccer team to Ivy League titles in 1995, 1996 and 1997 and the NCAA soccer tournament three times. The team advanced to the NCAA soccer tournament quarterfinals in 1997, the Crimson’s best national tournament finish in fifteen seasons. Gudeman was a two time All-Ivy league second team honoree, NCAA Regional All-America third team selection, and is top 10 for season career assists in Harvard's soccer record books. In lacrosse, she made the varsity lacrosse team as a freshman after never having played, and served as team captain her senior year, also earning All-Ivy league first team and first team regional All-American honors in 1998. Following Harvard, Keren played in the Women’s Premier Soccer League for the San Francisco Nighthawks. 

Keren eventually moved back to the Twin Cities and took a teaching and coaching position at SPA. She taught Middle School English and coached girls’ varsity soccer and varsity track and field. The girls' soccer team advanced to the state championship in 2004 and earned 2nd place in Class A. She was then hired as Carleton College’s Head Women’s Soccer Coach, coaching the Knights for six seasons. She compiled a 79-31-11 (.697) record as Carleton’s head coach and guided the Knights to the NCAA Tournament in 2008, 2009, and 2010. She was a two-time MIAC Coach of the Year (2006 and 2010) and was also named the 2008 NSCAA Central Region Coach of the Year after the Knights set a school record for victories in a season (18-6) and advanced to the elite eight of the NCAA Tournament.

Known to many as the “Father of Soccer” at St. Paul Academy and Summit School, Buzz Lagos has left his mark not only at SPA, but across the Minnesota soccer community. Throughout his many decades of coaching and teaching, Buzz has mentored and coached thousands of student-athletes, instilling values of teamwork and sportsmanship.

Buzz’s contributions to the SPA community can be traced back to the 1970’s, where he first served as the Head Coach of the boys’ soccer team beginning in 1973, leading the team to its first Minnesota State Soccer Tournament appearance. In the 1980’s, Buzz coached incredibly talented teams, reaching the state tournament nine seasons in a row. During that time, the team won four State Championships and two State runner-up titles. In addition to coaching, Buzz taught math in SPA’s Upper School and was known for his ability to make learning fun and for teaching students to find joy in solving complex problems. In the years before SPA’s girls’ soccer program was established, Buzz was instrumental in ensuring that girls who wanted to play soccer were allowed to play with the boys’ team.

At SPA, Buzz coached multiple Mr. Soccer recipients, an award given to the best soccer player in the state of Minnesota. His 1988 soccer team was the top-ranked High School team in the nation, accumulating a fifty-two game winning streak that would be snapped in the state semifinals. 

In addition to coaching at SPA, Buzz founded the Minnesota Thunder, Minnesota’s longest running professional soccer team, and served as the Head Coach of the Thunder for over a decade before retiring from coaching at the professional level. He then went to Higher Ground Academy to help establish their soccer program and in 2016, returned to SPA help on the boys’ soccer staff before formally joining the team in 2017 as an Assistant Coach. Head Coach Max Lipset '03 says he has been an extremely positive influence on the student-athletes. 

It is impossible to truly explain the impact that Buzz has had on St. Paul Academy and Summit School without providing a few testimonials from those who nominated him for this honor.

From Amos Magee '89: “But more than the wins, the outstanding player development, the titles and the national recognition, Buzz was a fantastic human and teacher that shared an optimistic, energetic, self-affirming and motivating outlook on life. He made great teams, great players and great people.”

From Ben Seymour '88: “Mr. Lagos’ coaching philosophy was rooted in hard work, in respect (for his players and others), in fairness, in composure and level headedness, in sportsmanship, and in a love of the game of soccer.

It was clear after having spent even a short period of time with him that this wasn’t just a coaching philosophy, it was a life philosophy; that the lessons he imparted were applicable beyond the field; and that he led by example. Years later, these lessons have helped to shape countless conscientious, kind, and decent people.”

From Daniel Zelle '81: “Among the many qualities Buzz cultivated were accountability, vulnerability, open-mindedness, fair play and connectedness. He helped players understand their role on a team and how to be reliable for executing that position as well as relying on and supporting teammates to do theirs. He made it clear that everyone makes mistakes - our teammates, the opponents, officials, coaches, spectators and us - we all do.”