Alumni Update: Alexis Russell Kochanski
1/19/2021
Alexis Russell Kochanski was a four-year letterwinner for Gopher gymnastics from 2007-2010 and competed in a variety of events, qualifying for the NCAA Championships in the all-around her senior season. She was named Minnesota’s Most Valuable Performer in 2010 and was a two-time First-Team All-Big Ten honoree. Following her collegiate career, she has become a very successful leader in the professional world and is the current meet manager for the Gophers. Read more about what she’s up to now in this alumni spotlight.
What led you to the University of Minnesota?
I was born and raised in Minnesota and grew up attending Gopher women’s gymnastics events at the Sports Pavilion (now Maturi Pavilion). The University of Minnesota is a great educational institution and I loved being able to bring my community out to home competitions. I also loved the layout of the campus and how it has its own culture that is unique to the University. Staying in state for college was one of the best decisions I ever made.
You graduated in 2010, what have you been doing since your time with the Gophers?
In 2010, I graduated with a major in political science and minor in communications. Shortly after graduating, I moved to Washington D.C. and worked for an environmental public policy trade association. Although I loved the nation’s Capitol, I was really home sick and moved back home to attain my Master’s in Public Health from the University of Minnesota. I specialized in health care policy and once I graduated, I served in politically appointed state government roles in Governor Mark Dayton and Governor Tim Walz’s administrations. About a year ago, I transitioned from the state and accepted a role at Medical Alley Association, which focuses on elevating Minnesota as the global epicenter of health innovation and care. In short, we ensure Minnesota maintains the most innovative place for health technology and care. This is especially critical as our nation continues to navigate a global pandemic and innovation is key to solving some of the most pressing challenges at this time. Outside of my traditional 9-5, for the past four years I’ve been the Floor Event Manager for the Gopher women’s gymnastics team when they have home competitions in Minneapolis. Literally the best part time job.
Have you been able to watch and stay connected to the current team? What advice would you give to them?
Of course! I make it a priority to attend all Meet the Team, banquet and alumni events. In addition to this, I try to attend as many workouts as I can to watch the girls practice. I also love mentoring girls on the team when our interests align! For example, it’s been fun to support and cheer on Ona as she completes her Master’s program at the School of Public Health in Epidemiology! In regard to advice, I would encourage the girls on the team to be present, soak all of it up. Enjoy every second, it goes by fast and never underestimate the power of visualization and cue words!
What are you most proud of from your time as a Gopher?
I’m most proud of my ability to push myself further than I’ve ever known possible and developing an ability to perform under pressure. In addition to this, I was one of the first African American gymnasts to ever compete on the team in our school’s history. I think representation is key and to know young gymnasts of color could see themselves in me when they would come watch home meets, brings me a lot of joy. I also qualified to the NCAA Championships as an individual my senior year, which was pretty awesome as well!
What is one thing you would like Gophers fans to know about you?
I am only one of many alumni that have graduated from the program and continue to do great things in our communities and professional settings. It’s so fun to do things like this but please know there are so many more of us that are unbelievably amazing! In addition to this, Gopher fans can catch me on the floor during home competitions ensuring the meets run smoothly. Two of the four seasons I’ve served as Floor Event Manager, I’ve been pregnant! Both of my boys will grow up never missing a home meet.
Current Gopher Mary Korlin-Downs is very vocal about looking up to your example while she was younger and coming to Gopher meets to watch you compete. What is it like to know what a large impact you’ve had on younger gymnasts and to now watch Mary compete in the Gophers leo?
Oh, that is my favorite part about all of this! I’m really into developing and serving as a role model to women and it makes me so happy Mary feels this way! I’ve known Mary from when she was a compulsory level gymnast and have loved watching her grow as a gymnast and a professional. I believe having a positive impact on others is one of the most important things someone can do it in their lifetime. Competing as a gymnast on the team, signing autographs for fans, taking photos, coaching Special Olympics events, volunteering and working with young gymnasts through camps were some of my favorite experiences. My impact to others as a Gopher gymnast has most definitely inspired the work I do as a leader in the professional world and hope to do through future executive leadership roles and potentially public office.
