Panther Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From Lakeville North High School

Sports run deep in Lakeville, and Lakeville North High School has long been at the heart of it. It’s no surprise some standout talent once wore the Panther uniform. Today we're celebrating five unforgettable athletes from Lakeville North High School who made a name for themselves well beyond the hometown field.

1. Jake Oettinger – NHL Goaltender (Dallas Stars)

A standout at Lakeville North High School, Oettinger emerged as one of Minnesota’s top prep hockey goalies before moving on to USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program. He played college hockey at Boston University, where he earned All-American honors, and was drafted by the Dallas Stars in the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft. Oettinger has since become the Stars’ franchise goaltender and has represented the United States internationally. (Sources: TeamUSAHockey, NHL)

2. Nate Reuvers – NCAA Forward

Reuvers starred at Lakeville North before continuing his career at the University of Wisconsin, where he was a key contributor for the Badgers and earned All-Big Ten recognition. Known for his versatility as a forward, Reuvers finished his collegiate career among Wisconsin’s leaders in blocks and scoring efficiency and went on to play professionally outside the United States after college. (Sources: UWBadgers, ESPN)

3. Rachel Banham – WNBA Guard (Minnesota Lynx, Chicago Sky, Connecticut Sun)

One of the most accomplished athletes in Lakeville North history, Banham was a prolific scorer in high school before starring at the University of Minnesota, where she became the Big Ten’s all-time leading scorer. She was selected fourth overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft and has enjoyed a multi-year professional career in the WNBA, including a WNBA championship with the Minnesota Lynx. (Sources: ESPN, WNBA, CBSNews)

4. Charlie Lindgren – NHL Goalie (Washington Capitals)

Lindgren played his high school hockey at Lakeville North before moving on to a successful collegiate career at St. Cloud State University. After signing with the Montreal Canadiens, Lindgren established himself as an NHL goaltender and later joined the Washington Capitals, where he earned league-wide recognition for his consistency and durability at the professional level. (Sources: NHL, StCloudStateAthletics, SunThisWeek)

5. Regan Smith – Olympic Swimmer (Team USA)

Smith attended Lakeville North High School and developed into one of the world’s elite swimmers. She went on to win multiple Olympic medals, including gold as part of Team USA’s relay squads, and has set world records in backstroke events. Smith is widely regarded as one of the top swimmers of her generation and a leader within USA Swimming. (Sources: TeamUSA, FossSwimSchool)

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