MiMi Pavelka
Shakopee, Minnesota
Class of 2026
Why did you choose Central?
The people. Everyone I’ve met, whether it be on a tour or while getting to know the soccer team, was incredibly genuine and kind. I knew it was a place that would allow me to thrive both academically and athletically, and it’s easily been the best decision I’ve ever made.
Favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor is Dr. Valster! Her passion for teaching kinesiology is infectious and makes it so easy to engage in class. If a concept is difficult to master, she offers fun tips and tricks to help her students remember them, and if I ever need help, she is always able to point me in the right direction of the answer. I can’t wait to take another one of her classes!
You’re majoring in kinesiology because?
I think the ways in which the human body works are so fascinating. There are so many things that are connected, and even if one small part doesn’t do its job, then the whole system cannot function.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
I went to a few SAAC meetings last year and I’m hoping to be more involved in that this year (shoutout Hailey and Isom). I also work in the Sports Information department in Kuyper, so you may catch me behind the camera or working the livestream for some sporting events throughout the year.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
For sure Chelsea Cutler, Jeremy Zucker, and Quinn XCII. I should also mention Noah Kahan because I have a tattoo of one of his songs on my left arm!
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
It has given me the chance to meet so many amazing people and make friends that I will have for the rest of my life. The memories that we have already made and the ones we will make in the future are things that I know I will cherish forever. This next season cannot come fast enough.
Who is your favorite professional soccer player?
Honestly, it’s pretty hard for me to narrow it down to one, but I’d have to go with Sam Kerr from the Australian women’s national team. Tobin Heath would be a very close second though.
What do you refuse to share?
I think I’m pretty good at sharing most things. That being said, if anyone tries to touch my orange Celsius, I may have to have a few words with them...
What is the best Halloween costume you’ve ever had?
In middle school, I dressed up as an NCIS agent. I found a black jacket and got my mom to spray paint NCIS on the back, and I also got to carry around a pair of fake handcuffs for the night. I will neither confirm nor deny that I tried to handcuff my sisters several times.
How would you spend one million dollars?
The very first thing I would do is pay for college, and then I would pay for school for my sisters as well. After that, I would send my parents on a nice vacation somewhere warm. The rest of the money I would probably save or invest.
Favorite TV Show
S.W.A.T. I binged watched all six seasons of it at the very beginning of the summer and now am patiently waiting for the next one to come out. In the meantime, I’ve been watching a lot of Law and Order: SVU to pass the time, but S.W.A.T. is undeniably my favorite show.
What’s it like to play for Coach Kobylinski?
I have to start with the matching outfits – he's real strict on that, but Coach Izzy has been getting him to loosen up a little bit. ?? He has created an environment that helps us as players push one another to be better while whole-heartedly supporting our teammates, and it has been great to be a part of it. I’d say his only flaw is that he is a die-hard Liverpool fan, but maybe someday I’ll be able to change his mind (Chelsea is definitely better – I just need him to admit it).
What’s your favorite part about being a member of the Central women’s soccer team?
Just getting to be around my teammates is probably my favorite part. You never know what funny or crazy thing will happen when all of us are together, whether it be at dinner, in the locker room, or on and off the field. Someone can always pick me up if I’m having a bad day or make me laugh until my face hurts, and I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
Hopefully, I will be a licensed physical therapist and have a job either somewhere in the Midwest or on the West Coast (like Portland or Seattle). I would also like to get an Australian Shepherd someday, so hopefully that will happen in the next ten years.
Favorite food from Central Market
Fresh Cookie Tuesday – nothing alleviates homesickness like a good chocolate chip cookie (or two or three).
Bucket list
I’m a big soccer nerd, so most of my bucket list consists of soccer games. I would love to see a Women’s World Cup or a Women’s Champions League final, and hopefully attend a Chelsea game in London someday.
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