Willmar's Rebecca Dawson selected 2024 Class A Herb Brooks Award recipient

As a six-year high school player and five-time letter winner, Willmar senior Rebecca Dawson has seized the opportunities to not only grow as a player, but also as an individual. From the classroom to the rink and into the community, she found moments to lead in an effort to enrich the lives and experiences of others.

For her impact, Dawson was selected the Class A recipient of the Herb Brooks Award on Saturday during the Minnesota State High School League’s Girls Hockey State Tournament. The annual award is presented to a state tournament participant that strongly represents the values, characteristics and traits that defined Herb Brooks, a St. Paul native that gained international fame as a hockey coach. The award commemorates the unending influence that Brooks had on the sport of hockey, not just in Minnesota, but throughout the world.

“Becca is a two-year captain leading by example on and off the ice,” Cardinals head coach Eric Setrum said. “(She is) first on the ice and last off, encouraging her teams and also holding them accountable when needed.”

Dawson had five goals and 14 assists this season in helping Willmar to a 21-9-0 record, the Section 3A championship and a sixth-place finish in the Class A field.

“Becca is always willing to do whatever it takes to help the team, both on and off the ice,” Setrum said. “She is willing to play in any situation and give everything possible, whether it is killing penalties, blocking shots or working in the hard areas.”

Dawson gives back to the community, in part, by working for the Willmar Parks and Recreation Department in the summer and winter. She enjoys working with youth, giving of her time and talents.