Minnesota State junior women’s soccer player Tori Meinhardt is in her third year with the Mavericks. Meinhardt was born Oct. 4th, 1991 to Ron and Cheryl Meinhardt. She intends on majoring in Communication Disorders here at MSU.

The Maverick midfielder is a Maple Grove, Minn., native where she was a four year starter and letter winner for Osseo High School. Meinhardt lead her team in scoring all four seasons and was named all-conference all four seasons, also receiving all-area honors her junior and senior year, along with receiving the Presidential Award in school.

Meinhardt started all 20 games for the Mavericks her freshman season and recorded one goal while firing four shots on goal. She was named to the All-NSIC Third Team as well. She then played in all 23 matches her sophomore season where she recorded seven goals and five assists. Meinhardt scored the game-winning goal against Metro State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament and was an NSIC All-Academic member.

This past season Meinhardt started 22 of 23 matches for the Mavericks and recorded five goals with 10 assists, which was the third best on the team. Meinhardt tied an MSU single game record with three assists in a 6-0 win against MSU- Moorhead. She also received NSIC All-Academic, All-NSIC Second Team, and NSIC All-Tournament Team honors. She became the second Maverick in program history to be selected as a CoSIDA Academic First Team All-American.

“Tori is a phenomenal example of what it means to be a Maverick soccer player. Her tenacious and unwavering work ethic consistently inspires others and contributes to the growth of our team,” said interim head coach Gretta Arvesen. “Tori’s strength of character and persistent commitment to being the best student-athlete she can be, are critical leadership components she brings to her Captaincy.”

10 Questions with Tori Meinhardt

1. Who are some of your athletic role models? Why?
The biggest role model that I have ever looked up to, and still do, is my older sister Katie. She has played a huge influencing role throughout my entire life and I can’t say I would be here today without her help. Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be just like her. So naturally, I found myself playing soccer and following her footsteps all the way to the collegiate level. The most important thing I’ve learned from Katie, is how to work hard and play with heart. Those who can play with both are always the most dangerous to their opponent.

 2. If you weren't playing soccer what sport would you play?
Does kickball or capture the flag count? I say that because the only time I’ve ever tried other sports was in gym class, and even then my skills were subpar. There is just something about hand-eye coordination that I still can’t seem to get down.

3. Do you have any pre game routines or rituals? 
On game days, I have a couple of routines that I run through before kickoff. First, I have Sydney Temple braid my hair, using the same hair binder throughout the entire season. This routine gives me a time to just sit and think solely about game ahead of me and nothing else; it gets me in the zone. I also receive a text from my dad and sister and read them right before we head out to begin our warm up. Having their words of encouragement fresh on my mind helps me mentally prepare for the competition.

 4. What is your most memorable soccer moment?
I would have to say my most memorable soccer moment came during my sophomore season in our game against Winona State. Going into matches we have a “one shot mentality”, meaning that when it’s your time step up and make the big plays, you deliver. Well, my turn was up as the first half was coming to an end. I was fed a ball at the edge of the 18-yard box and defenders were closing in quickly, but I put the ball in the back of the net, it ended up being the game-winning goal in an emotional match against our rivals.
 
5. What part of your game has improved the most since attending MSU?
Since attending MSU, my confidence and composure on the ball has improved immensely with the support from my teammates and coaches. When I first arrived here as a freshman, I was timid and afraid to make mistakes because I was playing at a collegiate level. However, over the years I’ve learned that even college athletes aren’t perfect all the time, and it’s the confidence that you have in yourself and your ability that will help you through the off days.
 
6. What do you do in the off-season?
When people ask me this question, I jokingly respond, “What off-season?” We, as Mavericks, are working hard around the clock to get better each and every day. It doesn’t matter what part of the year, you can see my teammates and myself putting in the time and effort to improve our game.

 7. What do you plan on doing after graduation?
After I graduate with my bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders, I plan on attending graduate school to become a certified speech-language pathologist. As of now, my ideal situation would be to end up in a school system working with young children.

8. What is your favorite kind of music?This is a tough question because I really do listen to all types of music. Whether it be classical while I’m studying, country while driving with the windows down, or the Top 40 while getting ready for games, it all depends on where I’m at and how I’m feeling.

 9. Why did you choose to play at Minn. State?
There are a few reasons why I ended up playing soccer here at MSU, but the biggest one is the college itself. Immediately when visited the campus I had that feeling that I belonged here and much of my decision was based on that initial experience.

10. If you won the lottery what is the first thing you would do?
One of my biggest dreams is to travel the world, so I would gather my closest family and friends and head overseas. I find other cultures and ways of life fascinating, so if I were given the means to experience that, I would do it in a heartbeat.