Elks Girls' Soccer Goes Green for Gwen

It’s not rare for a team to see a fellow player go down due to injury, especially in a demanding sport like girls’ soccer. Typically, teams rally around their fallen teammate, support her however they can, and then use the “next girl up” mentality. 

But the situation with this year’s Elk River High girls’ soccer team is far from typical. 

Last June, just as captains practices were set to begin and the Elks were piecing together what could be their summer camp squad for 2026, a major piece of the puzzle was injured in a car accident on the northeast side of the community. Gwen Thompson, a junior midfielder, suffered broken bones and a traumatic brain injury in the crash - leaving her in a coma. 

Immediately, captains Hannah King, Lauren Lipski and Ava Osterman said the season was going to be played in Gwen's honor. 

“My dad is an EMT, and of course I’ve played with Gwen since I was little, so it was just a big impact across our family, and, of course, our entire team.” said Elks captain Hannah King. “It was the first day of summer.”

After the June 21 crash, Gwen was in a coma for more than a week. She also had a broken femur. She had been airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center, then transported to Gillette Children’s Minnesota once she came out of the TBI. While in the induced sleep, many Elks players visited with her, as well as players from Boreal - her soccer club team. 

“We knew she had a long road ahead of her,” Hannah said. “But she wanted to know when our next practice was. She really had no idea, at the time, what happened. 

While her soccer career is on hold - her soccer family is set to continue to support her, and others like her. This Thursday, September 24, 2026, the Elks will host a “Green Out” for Gwen - green for Gillette Children’s TBI recovery. 

“There will be a ‘Miracle Minute’ where we collect money for people like her, who have been injured and suffered a brain injury and are on the road to recovery, but maybe need some things to get them through it,” Hannah said. “Our Elk River ‘Super Fans’ are going to pass around the buckets, and we’re going to just donate it all to the Children’s TBI unit.” 

Yes, the opponent is Bemidji, so Green is an “unfortunate” coincidence. But the goal is to support those who are in similar situations and get them all “back on the field” of life. 

“The community was great when she first got injured - we raised a lot through a GoFundMe that we started for the family. So this is a way to pass it on in her honor," Hannah said. The trio of captains - all seniors - said the team has pushed their teammate through rehab and exercises. 

"Our hope is she can step on the field for this game," they said. "Maybe make one pass, and we'll get the ball out of bounds and substitute her out. The goal, really, is for her to come back stronger next season." 

The Elks girls are currently in the middle of the pack in Section 8-3A this season. This is also Homecoming Week in Elk River, so get the celebration started with some soccer. First kick is at 5 p.m. sharp at the “Jerry.”