College of Saint Benedict Athletics

In her time as a student-athlete at the College of Saint Benedict, Alexis Brunner Puerta earned many awards and honors for her participation with the indoor and outdoor track and field teams.

The 1996 CSB graduate started her athletic career by winning the Saint Benedict Rookie of the Year Award in 1992-93.
“Receiving the Rookie of the Year award was amazing,” Brunner Puerta said. “It was a total surprise, and I think that it took a few minutes of Margaret Gehring’s introduction of the winner before I realized it was me she was talking about.
“I was so touched.”

Brunner Puerta was an All-MIAC selection in 1993, 1995 and 1996 in track and field. She also won numerous team awards including the Coaches’ Award in 1995 and was named the Blazers’ captain and most valuable player in 1996.
Brunner Puerta also was recognized with the Saint Benedict Athletics’ Presidential Award for outstanding academic achievement in 1995-96.

Her contributions to Blazer athletics and her running ability are still present today as she remains the owner of the Saint Benedict record in the outdoor 400-meter event.

During her time on the indoor and outdoor track and field teams Brunner Puerta formed a bond with her head coach Margaret Gehring.

“Margaret was one of the most inspirational coaches I’ve ever had,” Brunner Puerta said. “She was a leader on the track and for life.” 

Brunner Puerta’s abilities were not limited to the track as she excelled in the classroom earning a 3.8 GPA. She graduated with honors and a bachelor’s degree of science. 

The College of Saint Benedict will always have a place in Brunner Puerta’s life.

“The little everyday memories stand out the most for me,” Brunner Puerta said. “All the good laughs, bus rides to and from track meets, playing ultimate Frisbee and most of all the Blazer pride.”

Brunner Puerta works as a lead chemist for IMR Test Labs in Lansing, N.Y., where she supervises six chemists and technicians performing elemental analysis for material identification. She is married to Doug Puerta and they have one daughter, Emelia.