The Minnesota Vikings and Sleep Number again teamed up this year to recognize five Community Captains.

The Vikings Community Captain awards presented by Sleep Number were created to recognize outstanding varsity athletes throughout Minnesota who demonstrate strong leadership on and off the field, excelling in sport, in school and the community.

Varsity athletes with a 3.0 GPA or higher and a history of community service are eligible.

Each winner received a Sleep Number 360® smart bed, a $1,000 scholarship, a $1,000 donation to the charity of his or her choice, custom Vikings merchandise and tickets to a 2021 Vikings game.

Videoconferences were used to inform this year's winners of their selection instead of an in-person surprise because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I'm so excited because all of the work I've been putting in is paying off," said Alexandria Area High School receiver Kristen Hoskins.

Jeremiah Swor, who nominated Hoskins, said the senior impresses with "his attitude and willingness to serve other people."

"He does a ton of other things for the community and he's just a great representative from the Alexandria Area, so we're really proud of him," Swor said.

Bridget Blaney, a captain of the Hill-Murray soccer team, led an effort to paint vases for a nursing home and deliver them with flowers and cards. This service brightened the lives of people drastically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I was just kind of raised that way, to think of others before you think of yourself," Blaney said.

2020 Vikings Community Captains

Kristen Hoskins, Alexandria Area High School

Bridget Blaney, Hill-Murray

Sam Bronk, Lewiston-Altura High School

Haley Reeck, Edina High School

Luke Swanson, Fieldhaven Academy/Northwest Homeschool Athletic Cooperative