Northfield senior Marla Thomforde is wrapping up a busy high school career that included participation in three sports.

She is a member of the Raiders girls' basketball team. She was a short- and middle-distance freestyler on the swimming team in the fall. Thomforde will play her final season of softball this spring. It's the only sport she hasn't participated in at the state level.

Here is a closer look at Thomforde:

The best movie I've seen in the last year? "The Proposal." I love all chick flicks.

Three songs I never skip on my iPod are ... "Stronger" by Mandisa; "God Is Enough" by Lecrae; "It Girl" by Jason Derulo.

Three words or phrases my friends or teammates might use to describe me? Joyful; caring; hard-working.

How do you balance school and sports during the year? It is difficult, but I just have to use my time wisely. I try to work ahead on things so when I have a competition I won't be up late working on homework.

At my first varsity practice, I ... probably felt excited and nervous at the same time. I don't exactly remember because I was pretty young.

Favorite meal before a game? Lasagna or spaghetti pie. I love carbo loading.

What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete? Beating my older sister's state champion 100-yard freestyle time [53.40] at state this year.

To get focused for a meet or game, I ... jam out to my music, and I also read a note that my dad writes to me before every competition. He always finishes each note with these words: Have fun, play hard, give glory to God!

I know I have an edge on an opponent when ... the opposing team starts yelling and getting mad at each other.

If you could change one thing about high school sports, what would it be? I would like to have at least one week off between my sports seasons. It is very difficult to go from the state swim meet on Saturday to basketball practice on Monday. (And already missing the first week of practice).

When you have time off during vacation, what do you like to do? I love doing anything outside (help my dad out on our hobby farm or play with my dogs). I also love going on mission trips with my church.

Do you have a secret talent - and if so, what is it? I can do the Rubik's cube in less than two minutes.

Who is your favorite college or pro sports team and why? I am a big fan of all sports, but one of my favorites is the Gopher men's basketball team. My family has had season tickets five rows behind the Gophers bench for as long as I can remember. I love going to all the games at The Barn!

In 10 years, I hope I'm ... married with a solid job having to do with math, and starting a family.

What is the best sports advice you ever received? To do your best always because you never know when it will be your last time competing.

RON HAGGSTROM