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/ Women's Basketball
Meet the Newcomers: Tori Oehrlein
7/15/2026 5:00:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Get to know freshman Tori Oehrlein!
Before ever stepping onto the court at The Barn, Crosby-Ironton standout Tori Oehrlein has already cemented her legacy as one of Minnesota's most prolific high school players. Yet, despite her legendary resume, the incoming freshman remains deeply grounded in her northern Minnesota farm roots. Driven by a close bond with her family and drawn to the community culture built by coach Dawn Plitzuweit, Oehrlein chose to stay home to represent her state. We sat down with the freshman to talk about her journey to the Gophers and what she is looking forward to most in her first season.
Gopher Sports: Can you tell me about your background?
Tori Oehrelin: "I'm from Crosby-Ironton, Minnesota, which is a really small town up north. I grew up on a farm with my family. I rode horses and did rodeos when I was younger and have played basketball my whole life."
GS: When did you really start to improve and learn that you had a future in basketball?
TO: "I would say going into my sixth-grade year. My AAU coach, Dre Jefferson, told me, 'if you put your head down and have the drive that I know you have, you can go far in this.'"
GS: What made Minnesota stand out to you during your recruiting process?
TO: "What stood out to me was the culture that the team has created here. I loved that Coach Plitzuweit was really good at building a relationship with me. She cares about her players, she wants us to succeed in the classroom and outside of basketball."
GS: What was your first impression when you first visited the University of Minnesota?
TO: "It was very welcoming. Everyone was so kind, and it felt like home as soon as I got here."
GS: Do you have any favorite memories from playing high school or AAU basketball?
TO: "Playing AAU with the Minnesota Suns. I played with them for six years, they're like family to me. I'd say anytime we went on the road, those trips were always really fun."
GS: What are you looking forward to most in your first season as a Gopher?
TO: "I'm looking forward to competing on the court and wearing 'Minnesota' across my chest. I want to do what I can do for the team to help us be better. Whatever the coaches tell me my role is, I'm excited to do that, put my head down, and be better for the team."
GS: For someone who has never seen you play before, how would you describe your playing style?
TO: "I'd say I play quick. I like to pass a lot, I'm not a very selfish player, so I'm a pass-first person. I have a great basketball IQ and I like to shoot the three."
GS: Do you have any athletes that inspire you or your game?
TO: "Candace Parker. Growing up, my favorite player was always Candace Parker. We weren't in the same position because she's a lot taller than me, but I just loved her and I loved her drive for the game. I would always listen to her interviews, and I feel like she motivated me a lot."
GS: What is it going to be like playing in the Barn for the first time as a Gopher?
TO: "I feel like it's going to be amazing. The energy in there is very electric, and I love the crowd, they're so into it. So I'm excited to play in front of the environment with Minnesota across my chest."
GS: What is it going to be like representing your home state of Minnesota?
TO: "It's going to be special. Not everyone gets to represent their home state."
GS: Why did you decide to stay home and represent Minnesota?
TO: "I'm really close with my family, and a big reason is my grandpa. Having him be able to come down and see me. Then seeing the culture down here, I love it. I love how it's so community based around the 'U'. I knew that the culture coming here was great and that the coaches built such a great program."
Rapid Fire with Tori Oehrlein
Hobbies outside of basketball: Playing tennis
Favorite sweet treat: Cookie dough ice cream
Fun fact about yourself: I have horses
What sport would you play if not basketball: Tennis
Favorite pro sports team: The Minnesota Lynx
Favorite athlete: Candace Parker
Biggest inspiration: My grandpa, Mike
Favorite TV show: Heartland
Favorite musical artists: Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, and Zach Bryan
Dream vacation spot: Bora Bora
Go-to pregame snack: A chicken bacon ranch wrap with buffalo sauce
Gopher Sports: Can you tell me about your background?
Tori Oehrelin: "I'm from Crosby-Ironton, Minnesota, which is a really small town up north. I grew up on a farm with my family. I rode horses and did rodeos when I was younger and have played basketball my whole life."
GS: When did you really start to improve and learn that you had a future in basketball?
TO: "I would say going into my sixth-grade year. My AAU coach, Dre Jefferson, told me, 'if you put your head down and have the drive that I know you have, you can go far in this.'"
GS: What made Minnesota stand out to you during your recruiting process?
TO: "What stood out to me was the culture that the team has created here. I loved that Coach Plitzuweit was really good at building a relationship with me. She cares about her players, she wants us to succeed in the classroom and outside of basketball."
GS: What was your first impression when you first visited the University of Minnesota?
TO: "It was very welcoming. Everyone was so kind, and it felt like home as soon as I got here."
GS: Do you have any favorite memories from playing high school or AAU basketball?
TO: "Playing AAU with the Minnesota Suns. I played with them for six years, they're like family to me. I'd say anytime we went on the road, those trips were always really fun."
GS: What are you looking forward to most in your first season as a Gopher?
TO: "I'm looking forward to competing on the court and wearing 'Minnesota' across my chest. I want to do what I can do for the team to help us be better. Whatever the coaches tell me my role is, I'm excited to do that, put my head down, and be better for the team."
GS: For someone who has never seen you play before, how would you describe your playing style?
TO: "I'd say I play quick. I like to pass a lot, I'm not a very selfish player, so I'm a pass-first person. I have a great basketball IQ and I like to shoot the three."
GS: Do you have any athletes that inspire you or your game?
TO: "Candace Parker. Growing up, my favorite player was always Candace Parker. We weren't in the same position because she's a lot taller than me, but I just loved her and I loved her drive for the game. I would always listen to her interviews, and I feel like she motivated me a lot."
GS: What is it going to be like playing in the Barn for the first time as a Gopher?
TO: "I feel like it's going to be amazing. The energy in there is very electric, and I love the crowd, they're so into it. So I'm excited to play in front of the environment with Minnesota across my chest."
GS: What is it going to be like representing your home state of Minnesota?
TO: "It's going to be special. Not everyone gets to represent their home state."
GS: Why did you decide to stay home and represent Minnesota?
TO: "I'm really close with my family, and a big reason is my grandpa. Having him be able to come down and see me. Then seeing the culture down here, I love it. I love how it's so community based around the 'U'. I knew that the culture coming here was great and that the coaches built such a great program."
Rapid Fire with Tori Oehrlein
Hobbies outside of basketball: Playing tennis
Favorite sweet treat: Cookie dough ice cream
Fun fact about yourself: I have horses
What sport would you play if not basketball: Tennis
Favorite pro sports team: The Minnesota Lynx
Favorite athlete: Candace Parker
Biggest inspiration: My grandpa, Mike
Favorite TV show: Heartland
Favorite musical artists: Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, and Zach Bryan
Dream vacation spot: Bora Bora
Go-to pregame snack: A chicken bacon ranch wrap with buffalo sauce
Wednesday, July 08
Friday, July 03
Monday, June 22
Thursday, June 18