MANKATO, Minn. - Minnesota State Athletics is celebrating Director of Athletics Kevin Buisman's 25th year with the Mavericks by highlighting 25 outstanding student-athletes who have helped shape the department's history. The next honoree in the series is former women's soccer standout Korey Kronforst.
 
The 25 for 25 Series recognizes 25 of the most accomplished and memorable Maverick student-athletes from the past quarter century, beginning with Buisman's arrival at Minnesota State in 2002. Over the next three months, the 25 honorees will be announced in no particular order, with 10 unveiled between now and the end of October, 10 more throughout November and the final five in December prior to the Christmas holiday.
 
"Korey was one of those players with the skill and the ability to take over in her role as an attacking forward and completely change the course of the game," Buisman said.  "She possessed great instincts and a real sense of confidence. As our soccer program was beginning to establish itself as a national contender, Korey was one of the catalysts for the type of success that took the program to another level. The moment was never too big for Korey when we needed someone to step up and lead and deliver a play in the clutch. We have had a lot of impactful players, but Korey played a key role during an important growth period for Maverick soccer."
 
A native of Cary, Ill., Korey Kronforst joined the Minnesota State soccer team in 2012 and went on to play in 85 matches during her four seasons wearing the Purple and Gold. She amassed 59 goals and 22 assists for 140 career points. Her 59 career goals, 140 career points and 19 game-winning goals all rank second in program history.
 
"Mankato will always hold such a special place in my heart," Kronforst said.  "Some of the most meaningful relationships and experiences of my life came from my time as a Maverick – including meeting my husband and friends who became family.  I'm so grateful to have been part of the MavFam."  
 
During her collegiate career, Kronforst earned three All-NSIC First Team honors and was named the NSIC Offensive Player of the Year twice, receiving the award in 2013 and 2015. She also garnered multiple All-America honors from Daktronics, NSCAA and CCA. In the classroom, Kronforst excelled as well, earning CoSIDA Academic All-America Second Team recognition in both 2014 and 2015.
 
Kronforst was named Minnesota State's Female Athlete of the Year for the 2015-16 academic year and received the university's Georgene Brock Award, presented annually to the institution's most well-rounded senior female student-athlete.
 
She will be inducted into the Minnesota State Athletics Hall of Fame on Oct. 2.
 
"Kevin has always been such a strong supporter of Maverick Athletics, and seeing him cheering us on meant so much to us as athletes," Kronforst said.  "Congratulations to Kevin on 25 incredible years of leadership, dedication and support of the Mavs.  I'm grateful to have been a small part of the legacy he has helped build.  Horns up!"