MSU Athletics

Chose MSU
"The care that professors, advisors, and faculty show students, personable class size, and affordable tuition made Minot the perfect match for me!"

Prior to MSU
Attended the University of California, Irvine and participated in track & field and cross country... Named to Fall Quarter Dean's Honor List... Named to Winter Quarter Dean's Honor List... Named to Spring Quarter Dean's Honor List... 

High School
A 2019 graduate that participated in track and field at Damonte Ranch High School in Reno, Nevada... Certificate of Recognition of Excellence for AP Spanish Language & Culture 7-8 for Spring 2019... Certificate of Recognition of Excellence for Freshman Honors English for Spring of 2016... Certificate of Academic Excellence for fall of 2016-18 and spring of 2016-17... 2018 Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows Youth of the Year... 2019 Nevada State Youth of the Year... 2019 National Money Matters Ambassador for the Boys & Girls Club of America... 2019 Bank of America Student Leader. 

Personal
Academic and career goals: "I am striving to maintain a 4.0 GPA and potentially join the honors program. After I graduate with my bachelor's degree, I plan on obtaining a master's in either counseling or therapy to become a pediatric therapist or counselor"... Favorite TV Show: "My favorite TV Show is 'Avatar The Last Airbender' because it teaches valuable life lessons to the audience through the characters' growth. Plus the show is just generally great!"... Greatest achievement in athletics: "My greatest achievement thus far has been the personal growth I've experienced since being recruited. I never thought that I could push myself to the physical limits that I have. Seeing my growth has made me feel so much stronger and confident in myself. This journey has just begun and I am excited to continue growing and learning with my team to achieve more than I ever thought possible" ... Fun fact: "I actually really like public speaking and have delivered speeches to crowds of over 700 people! There is a video on YouTube of those speeches on the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows website" ... Favorite subject: Psychology ... Favorite music: "I wouldn't say I have a favorite artist or type of music because I listen to a wide variety of music and enjoy them all!" ... During summer (2020): "I trained for the upcoming cross country season and worked hard to save up money for this year's school expenses. Moving to Minot is also the biggest move I have veer had to make, so I have been planning for the trip and getting ready to live in my first-ever apartment on campus!"... More about Monica: "I'm originall from Burbank, California, but moved to Reno, Nevada when I was 12. I love volunteering and working with children, which led to my junior career at the Boys & Girls club and fueled my desire to work with children in my future career. I used to weight lift but transitioned into running and fell in love with the sport. Running is a great outlet for me and keeps me feeling strong and healthy! I love running on scenic routes because it helps keep my mind occupied and forges a deeper appreciation for nature"... Name pronunciation: Monica o-KO-paul.