Whether it's with hands or feet, few athletes can dribble the ball as well as Alexis Foley.

The White Bear Lake forward scored 17 goals and added 10 assists for the Bears this soccer season. But when Foley was presented this year's Class 2A girls' Ms. Soccer Award, given to the state's top senior player before the state tournament, she certainly didn't expect it. The humble two-sport athlete wasn't quite sure she was the most deserving.

"Not at all," Foley said. "There are so many girls out there who are just so much more technically sound and I think more advanced than I was."

As more of a physical player, it was still a positive way to end her soccer career after the Bears lost a heartbreaker to Mahtomedi in the section semifinals. Foley loves the sport and had been playing since she was 5 years old. She's also a star basketball player, a mix that always has helped her stay balanced when it comes to athletics.

"It's nice because then I look forward to the other sport a lot more," Foley said. "It gets me ready and it gives me a little break if I need it."

Foley took some much- needed time off after the soccer season. She relaxed, rested the body and recharged the batteries.

Break time's over.

Foley is best-known on the basketball court, where she's been a force for three seasons at White Bear Lake and will play for Illinois State next season. With practice starting on Monday, the senior guard will begin her quest for four consecutive state tournament appearances under head coach Jeremy Post.

A starter since Day 1, Foley, who's good with numbers in and out of the classroom, has averaged 10.7, 11.9 and 13 points per game the past three seasons, respectively. She's led the team in rebounding, assists and steals every year. If she hadn't been hampered because of injuries last season, Foley would have scored even more.

The future Redbird is strong and sees the floor well. She has the power to score almost at will, but what makes the Bears so successful is unselfish team play, Foley not excluded.

"If she is scoring too much, that means she is making poor decisions," Post said. "She elevates the rest of her teammates because she is willing to sacrifice individual scoring."

Post has always been philosophical in his team-first approach. The talented Foley, with a second-to-none work ethic, has bought in.

"Anything we do, we do for the better of the team," Foley said. "Make sure that as a team we beat the other team. It's not individuals at all."

Also returning for the Bears is Angie Guenther, a talented athlete and potential D-I track recruit poised for a breakout year. Junior 6-foot center Danielle Renner will also become a major contributor, along with younger girls waiting in the wings.

But experience, clutch performances and team play are what separate section contenders from section champions. Foley comes up huge in each category.

"She also has been able to play her best in the biggest moments, which is a big reason why we have been to three straight state tournaments," Post said.

The quest for four begins Nov. 25 against defending Class 3A champion DeLaSalle.