David La Vaque

Reporter | High school sports

David La Vaque is a high school sports reporter who has been the lead high school hockey writer for the Star Tribune since 2010. He is co-author of “Tourney Time,” a book about the history of Minnesota’s boys hockey state tournament published in 2020 and updated in 2024.

La Vaque previously spent 18 months covering high school sports at the Woodbury Bulletin. La Vaque has written frequently about Minnesota State High School League news, football, hockey, lacrosse and track and field. A native of St. Paul, La Vaque lives in Woodbury. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Communication Studies, Rhetoric and Applied Business. La Vaque is researching a book on the history of the Minnesota state high school hockey tournament. In his free time, he enjoys running and biking and listening to music.

Recent content from David La Vaque

USA Hockey mines Minnesota to stock roster for under-17 tournament

Six boys from the state made the team for the Five Nations competition, as did three from out of state who play at Shattuck-St. Mary's.

Perfection will do when it comes to picking a Girls Team of the Year

Undefeated Edina girls soccer team made certain it won the state championship that eluded it the last time the stars aligned that way.

Winning the mind game made boys track Metro Athlete of the Year a champ

Dwyne Smith Jr. of Apple Valley felt worn out as a sophomore, until a change in mindset made him a big senior success and a Gophers recruit.

Her fast friends form an enduring memory for Athlete of the Year

Claire Kohler of Minnetonka swept the girls hurdles races at state the past two years and anchored Minnetonka's record-breaking 4x400 relay, but she holds other moments at least as dear.

Benilde-St. Margaret's downs defending champ for boys lacrosse title

Benilde-St. Margaret's boys lacrosse won its third state championship game in four years behind seniors Gus Bell and Sky Rold.

What to watch for in the boys and girls state lacrosse championship games

Strengths that sent them to the finals are sure to get tested in Saturday matchups.

Twin brothers rocket Lakeville North into boys lacrosse state final

Carson and Blake Piscitiello made quick work of Stillwater in the boys state semifinal.

Apple Valley, Minnetonka track stars earn Minnesota coaches' awards

Dwyne Smith and Claire Kohler are boys and girls athletes of the year.

Owatonna's Jirele ekes out Class 3A girls golf championship

Amelia Morton, who finished second behind Carmen Jirele, won her second consecutive team title with Maple Grove.

Finding his groove pushes Edina golfer to 3A boys title

Feeling low after his Hornets missed the team tournament, Torger Ohe raises his play for individual title.

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