How sports brought Minnesota together in 2025
The Minnesota sports stories of 2025 stood out not only for wins and losses, but for the conversations they sparked and the pride they generated statewide. These five stories highlight how sports continue to shape identity, inspire young athletes, and connect generations across Minnesota.
Sports in 2025 gave Minnesota plenty to cheer for, reflect on, and rally around. From headline-making games and rising local talent to the deeper stories behind the athletes and programs, these five sports stories stood out for their impact both on and off the field. As we begin 2026, this list highlights the moments that sparked conversation, built community pride, and reminded us why sports remain such a powerful connector across generations.
Sports – Pro Athletes Among Hopkins’ Top 2024 Performers
Hopkins is widely recognized for the Raspberry Festival, but its tradition of producing exceptional athletes rivals that legacy. From pro basketball players to Olympians and collegiate stars, Hopkins athletes continue to shine on national and international stages.
“Pro Athletes Among Hopkins’ Top 2024 Performers” was published on January 6, 2025. To read the full story, visit https://spokesman-recorder.com/2025/01/06/hopkins-athletes-sports-legacy/.
Reporter’s Notebook– NFL Black HCs
Each year as soon as the NFL regular season concludes, the firing season begins. And this year is no different.
The 2024 season began with a record six Black head coaches. Now a couple of weeks into 2025, the number has been reduced to four.
Jerod Mayo was the first to get canned after one season, fired by New England shortly after the Patriots closed its 4-13 season on a winning note January 3. Las Vegas followed suit a few days later and dismissed Antonio Pierce after one full season with the Raiders.
“NFL Black HCs” was published on January 13, 2025. To read the full story, visit https://spokesman-recorder.com/2025/01/13/nfl-firing-season-black-coaches/.
Sports – Ari Peterson: The Rising Star Making Her Mark on Minnesota’s Basketball Scene
Minnesota’s high school basketball scene just found a new phenom in Ari Peterson, the daughter of former NFL legend Adrian Peterson. At just 15 years old, Ari is already showing flashes of brilliance on the court, emerging as one of the top prospects in the Class of 2028.
A freshman at Minnetonka High School, Peterson is already making her presence felt with an impressive 13.2 points per game this season. Her all-around game, which includes scoring from anywhere on the floor, snagging rebounds, and even dunking, has caught the attention of college programs across the country. Minnesota, Purdue, Maryland, and Oklahoma—the same program her father starred for during his college days—are just some of the schools that have extended offers to the young phenom.
“Ari Peterson: The Rising Star Making Her Mark on Minnesota’s Basketball Scene” was published on January 29, 2025. To read the full story, visit https://spokesman-recorder.com/2025/01/29/minnesota-high-school-basketball-phenom-aripeterson/.
Sports – Broadcaster Brunson baffled by Mercury blindside
Veteran broadcaster Cindy Brunson is taking her first summer off from calling WNBA games since 2022, but it was not in her original plans. The Phoenix Mercury, after interviewing her several weeks ago, decided not to hire her for their regular broadcast team.
Almost immediately after the team announcement, Brunson wanted to head off any rumors that too often spread whenever changes in broadcasting are made.
“I don’t want people to think that I was fired, because that did not happen,” Brunson told me last week during an hour-long phone interview. She texted me with the sad news and agreed to speak with us after she returns from a previously scheduled trip overseas.
Brunson was looking forward to being the Mercury voice for the fourth consecutive season, one of the few Black females who does W games. She felt the interviews with team officials went well.
“Broadcaster Brunson baffled by Mercury blindside” was published on May 23, 2025. To read the full story, visit https://spokesman-recorder.com/2025/05/23/cindy-brunson-phoenix-mercury-wnba-broadcast-exit.
Sports – Gophers’ 2025 Recruiting Class Shows Promise with High School Standouts
With roster turnover and the ever-evolving college basketball landscape, the Minnesota Gophers are looking to their incoming 2025 recruiting class for fresh talent and stability. Ranked 47th nationally by 247Sports, this class may not feature five-star headliners, but it does bring intriguing potential. With only four scholarship players currently projected to return for the 2025-26 season, the trio of Parker Jefferson, Jacob Ross, and Kai Shinholster could play pivotal roles in shaping the future of the program.
Let’s take a look at how Minnesota’s three high school signees are performing in their senior seasons.
“Gophers’ 2025 Recruiting Class Shows Promise with High School Standouts” was published on February 2, 2025. To read the full story, visit https://spokesman-recorder.com/2025/02/02/minnesota-gophers-recruit-performance/.