5 Super Athletes With Ties To Hudson

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Hudson area, these values have shaped some truly remarkable athletes from different eras, whose accomplishments continue to inspire.

Patch has teamed up with T-Mobile to spotlight five standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on our community. While this list is just a snapshot, there are countless others who have helped shape the rich sports culture in our area.

1. Anna Wilgren (Ice Hockey)

Hudson native Anna Wilgren has made a name for herself on the ice with her strong defensive play and leadership. She excelled at Minnesota State before transferring to the University of Wisconsin, where she recorded 24 points in the 2023-24 season and was a key presence on the blue line. A four-time WCHA Scholar-Athlete, Wilgren has also earned multiple conference and tournament honors, including WCHA Defender of the Week and All-WCHA selections.

2. Jess Vadnais (Basketball)

A local basketball legend, Jess Vadnais was a three-time All-Big Rivers Conference player at Hudson High School before becoming a record-setting guard at Gustavus Adolphus College. She graduated as the program’s all-time leading scorer with 1,779 points and was named MIAC Player of the Year in 2007. After a stellar playing career, she returned to Hudson as the high school’s head coach, leading the team to multiple conference titles and a state runner-up finish. Vadnais was inducted into the Gustavus Adolphus Athletic Hall of Fame, a testament to her lasting impact on the sport.

3. Jim Bertelsen (Football)

Running back and Hudson native Jim Bertelsen made his mark in football at the University of Texas before playing five seasons in the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams. A key part of Texas’ 1969 national championship team, he rushed for over 2,500 yards in his collegiate career and was known for his explosive running ability. Drafted in the second round of the 1972 NFL Draft, he had a breakout season in 1973, rushing for 854 yards. Bertelsen’s football journey, from Hudson High School to the pros, remains his legacy and a source of pride for his hometown.

4. Bjørn Selander (Cycling)

Professional cyclist Bjørn Selander, born in Hudson, has competed on both the road and in cyclocross, representing the U.S. on major international stages. In 2011, he completed his first Giro d'Italia, wearing the prestigious white jersey for two stages. Throughout his career, Selander has achieved notable results, including podium finishes in national time trial championships and stage wins in the Tour of Belize.

5. Kraig Urbik (Football)

Hudson native Kraig Urbik built an impressive football career, excelling at the University of Wisconsin before playing nine seasons in the NFL. A highly regarded offensive lineman, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft and later played for the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins. Urbik was a consistent force on the offensive line, earning a four-year contract extension with the Bills and starting games at both guard and center. After retiring in 2018, he remains one of Hudson’s most successful football players.

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