Morgan Fritz-Ward wanted to play hockey at a higher level. That is, higher than the Bantam A boys' level she was playing at as a freshman in Mason City, Iowa.

The leading returning scorer for the Lakeville South girls' team enters her senior season seeking one final trip to the state tournament. The Cougars earned their only state tournament berth in 2009.

Fritz-Ward lives with her grandparents, who moved to Minnesota so she could play girls' high school hockey. She had to sit out a year due to transferring. Her parents trek north quite often to see their daughter.

The Cougars forward had 32 goals and 25 assists for 57 points a year ago. She had seven power-play goals and four short-handed tallies.

She has also lettered in cross country and softball at Lakeville South. Here is a closer look at Fritz-Ward:

• Best movie I've seen in the past year: "Blind Side."

• Three songs I never skip on my iPod are: "Respect" by Aretha Franklin; "Gangsta Luv" by Snoop Dogg; "Knockout" by Lil' Wayne.

• Three words or phrases my friends or teammates might use to describe me? Funny, competitive, relaxed.

• Favorite pregame meal: Pasta.

• How do you balance school and sports during the year? It takes discipline to balance your time, and I also do homework at the rink sometimes.

• What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete? Being section champions.

• Who is your school's biggest rival, and why? Lakeville North. They beat us to go to state last year.

• What were your goals prior to the start of school? To go to state.

• What did you work on prior to the start of the season? I worked on speed, agility, endurance, shooting, and building muscle.

• How did you get started playing hockey? My twin brother wanted to play hockey, but he wanted me to go with him.

• At my first varsity practice, I felt... so excited to be there, and I still am.

• To get focused for competition, I... listen to music and stick handle.

• I know I have an edge on an opponent when ... our team scores first.

• If you could change one thing about high school sports, what would it be? That they could be year round.

• In 10 years, I hope I'm ... rich.

• Who is your favorite college or pro sports team and why? The Minnesota Wild and Minnesota Gophers because they are awesome and I have watched them since I was a little kid.

• Do you have a secret talent - and if so, what is it? I can speak pig Latin.

• What is the best sports advice you ever received? Never say never.