University of Minnesota Athletics
Senior Spotlight: Alex Pafko
10/4/2011 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Oct. 4, 2011
For most athletes, being an elite player in your division is all you could ask for, but not for University of Minnesota senior transfer Alex Pafko. After playing three seasons for Division-II affiliate St. Cloud State and leading the team in all offensive categories, Pafko decided to embark on a new challenge by joining the prestigious Division-I affiliated Golden Gopher soccer program for her final season.
"Minnesota provided me with a better opportunity to excel myself both on and off the field," said senior transfer Alex Pafko. "Ever since I was young, I have always wanted to play soccer for the Gophers."
The Blaine, Minn. native was a standout at St. Cloud State for a trio of years before adding her name to the Minnesota roster. During her time with the Huskies, Alex was tagged as a two-time All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference first team honoree, two-time all-region selection, two-time Most Valuable Player for St. Cloud State and established herself in the SCSU record books. In just three years with the program, Pafko tallied 59 points and 22 goals both rank third all-time in the program while she ranks fourth in school history with 14 career assists. The forward also holds school records for most game-winning goals (11) and shots on goal (72).
As a senior transfer, Pafko has added depth to the Gopher attack. The Minnesota coaching staff has credited Alex for being a player that has ball winning ability and someone that is a threat with her head.
"Alex demonstrated incredible courage making the jump to our program," said head coach Mikki Denney Wright. "Her commitment and dedication have been fantastic. She has been a wonderful addition, and we are so glad that she joined the Gopher soccer family."
With thoughts of redshirting Pafko for the 2011 season, Denney Wright decided early in preseason training that the senior transfer's skills would be needed to assist this year's youthful squad. And so far, the forward has done just that by coming off the bench for the Golden Gophers in five matches thus far. She has totaled three shots with two of them being on goal during her five match appearances.
"I have had an incredible experience thus far here at the University of Minnesota," said Pafko. "I wouldn't change anything. My teammate and coaches always push me past my limits and challenge me every day to become not only a better soccer player but a better person."
