Minnesota State University, Mankato (MSU Mankato) stands as a beacon of athletic excellence in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). In the 2023–2024 academic year, the Mavericks clinched the prestigious NSIC All-Sports Award, amassing 206.5 points—14.5 ahead of second-place Augustana University. This achievement marks the seventh time MSU Mankato has earned this honor since rejoining the conference in 2008.
Both men’s and women’s sports at MSU Mankato have demonstrated remarkable performance. The men’s teams secured 89 points, while the women’s teams garnered 117.5 points in the NSIC standings. Notably, the Mavericks captured seven regular-season titles during the 2023–2024 academic year, including men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track & field, and men’s golf.
The university’s commitment to athletic excellence is further exemplified by its participation in NCAA Division II and the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) for men’s ice hockey. MSU Mankato’s men’s ice hockey team has a storied history, including a national championship in 1980 and multiple NCAA tournament appearances.
List of Sports at Minnesota State University, Mankato
MSU Mankato offers a comprehensive array of sports for both men and women:
Men’s Sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Football
- Golf
- Ice Hockey (NCAA Division I)
- Indoor Track & Field
- Outdoor Track & Field
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Wrestling
Women’s Sports:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Indoor Track & Field
- Outdoor Track & Field
- Soccer
- Softball
- Tennis
- Volleyball
How to Apply to Minnesota State University, Mankato
Prospective students can apply to MSU Mankato through the following steps:
- Application Portal: Submit an application via the MSU Mankato Online Application.
- Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee is required.
- Required Documents:
- Official high school or college transcripts.
- ACT or SAT scores (optional for undergraduate applicants).
- Proof of English proficiency (for international students).
- Letters of recommendation (optional).
- Personal statement or essay (optional).
- Deadlines:
- Fall Semester: August 1
- Spring Semester: December 1
- Summer Session: May 1
List of Courses Offered at Minnesota State University, Mankato
MSU Mankato offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines:
- College of Allied Health & Nursing
- College of Arts & Humanities
- College of Business
- College of Education
- College of Engineering
- College of Science, Engineering & Technology
- College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
- College of Graduate Studies
For a comprehensive list of programs, visit the MSU Mankato Academic Programs page.
Application Process and Eligibility for International and Domestic Students
Domestic Students:
- Eligibility: Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
- Application Requirements: High school transcripts, ACT/SAT scores (optional), and proof of residency.
International Students:
- Eligibility: Completion of secondary education equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma.
- Application Requirements:
- Official transcripts with English translations.
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent).
- Financial documentation demonstrating the ability to pay for tuition and living expenses.
- Copy of passport.
List of Coaches in All Sport Categories
While specific coaching staff can change over time, here are some key coaches as of the latest available information:
- Men’s Ice Hockey: Luke Strand (Head Coach)
- Football: Todd Hoffner (Head Coach)
- Men’s Basketball: Matt Margenthaler (Head Coach)
- Women’s Basketball: Emilee Thiesse (Head Coach)
- Men’s Track & Field: Jesse Hoppel (Head Coach)
- Women’s Track & Field: Jesse Hoppel (Head Coach)
- Soccer (Men’s): Paul Goepfert (Head Coach)
- Soccer (Women’s): Peter McGahey (Head Coach)
- Softball: Lori Meyer (Head Coach)
- Tennis (Men’s): Kevin Puryear (Head Coach)
- Tennis (Women’s): Kevin Puryear (Head Coach)
- Volleyball: Kevin Puryear (Head Coach)
Most Awarding Sport Programs in the School
The most awarding sport programs at MSU Mankato include:
Men’s Ice Hockey
- Most Successful Program in School History
- Competes at the NCAA Division I level in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA)
- Multiple NCAA Tournament appearances
- Reached the Frozen Four in 2021
- CCHA Regular Season and Tournament champions multiple times
- Produced numerous professional NHL players
Football
- Consistently one of the top-performing NCAA Division II football programs
- Reached the Division II National Championship Game in 2014 and 2019
- Multiple NSIC conference titles
- Regular appearances in the NCAA DII Playoffs
- Head Coach Todd Hoffner has led the team to national prominence
Women’s Basketball
- A powerhouse in NSIC women’s athletics
- NSIC Champions multiple times
- Frequent participants in the NCAA DII Women’s Basketball Tournament
- Known for producing All-Americans and academic award winners
Track & Field (Men’s and Women’s Indoor and Outdoor)
- Dominated the NSIC in recent years with multiple team titles
- Individual NCAA National Champions in various track and field events
- Regularly send athletes to NCAA Championships
- Strong tradition of excellence under Coach Jesse Hoppel
Wrestling
- Long-standing tradition in NCAA Division II wrestling
- Multiple All-Americans and national champions
- A competitive and historic program that consistently ranks in national polls
- Developed athletes who’ve competed at national and international levels
Baseball
- Regular NCAA Tournament appearances
- Multiple NSIC titles and regional championships
- One of the most consistent programs in terms of wins and player development
Women’s Soccer
- NSIC regular-season and tournament champions
- Frequent NCAA Tournament qualifiers
- Known for strong defense and developing top conference players
