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Meet the Newcomers: Katelyn Rigg
7/24/2026 10:00:00 AM | Soccer
Get to know Katelyn Rigg!
A Washington State native, Rigg took the leap into the transfer portal after a successful career at Gonzaga. Now embracing a new chapter in the Twin Cities, the transfer sits down with Gopher Sports to talk about her path to Minnesota, adapting to campus life, and what she's most excited for this fall.
Gopher Sports: Can you take me through your background?
Katelyn Rigg: "I grew up in Washington State in Western Washington, in Olympia. I'm the oldest of five kids, I have three sisters and one brother. We all grew up playing sports, hanging out, and then I went and did my undergrad at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington."
GS: How did you start playing soccer? What got you into it?
KR: "I honestly don't even remember. I played so many sports growing up when I was little, and soccer was the one that stuck. I couldn't tell you the first time that I touched a soccer ball or kicked a soccer ball, but it's just what stuck. I just loved it more than the other ones."
GS: When did you realize that you had a future in soccer, playing collegiately or even potentially beyond?
KR: "That's a good question! It probably wasn't until my sophomore year of college! Because I didn't play, I wasn't on the soccer team at Gonzaga my freshman year, I walked on. I started as an equipment manager, actually. But I think when I realized I wanted to was probably freshman year of high school. I played club in middle school and what not, but the feeling of playing for your school, playing for an institution, I loved that. It was so fun to get to play in the stadium and wear your school's name."
GS: How did your relationship with Erin Chastain and her staff begin?
KR: "I first talked to Erin, I think I was driving home for Thanksgiving break, and it was a great conversation. I remember we talked about a lot of things, and I walked away thinking, 'Oh, I'd love to come out on a visit.' Then I came out pretty shortly thereafter, right after school ended. I got to meet the coaching staff in person and it was a great experience. They were just really lovely people, and I was like, 'These are the type of coaches that you want to play for.'"
GS: How has it been transitioning to a new city for you?
KR: "I've loved it! It's been so fun. There's obviously always elements of an unknown that are scary, and change can be really scary. And it is, but I think I've loved getting to be in a new place and getting to see new things and meet my teammates and new people. Overall, I've loved it!"
GS: What has been your favorite part so far about being on campus?
KR: "I've loved just getting to be able to work out and train with the team, that's probably been a highlight for me. In a super technical, specific way, I've loved literally living across the street! Just being able to walk places has been super fun. I've loved getting to walk everywhere, it's a great way to get to know a place, so I've really, really enjoyed just familiarizing myself."
GS: What are some things you're looking forward to as a Gopher this fall?
KR: "Oh my gosh, mostly everything! I'm looking forward to game days, I'm so excited to play out at ELR (Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium), and just getting to know the team and experience that."
GS: Do you have any goals for yourself in your first season here?
KR: "I'm really wanting to focus on experiencing all that I can and just enjoying that. That was a really big motivation for me coming here, is just to have new experiences. I really want to continue to get to know the team and the people more too, I think that's a big goal. But yeah, I would love to make an impact on the field as well. I'm really just focused on wanting to help the team in whatever way I can."
Quick Kicks with Katelyn Rigg
Hobbies outside of soccer: I like to read, I like to bake, and I like to run too
Favorite sweet treat: All of them! If I had to pick one, I'd say ice cream.
What sport would you play if it were not soccer: Track
Favorite pro sports team: Seattle Mariners
Favorite athlete: Lynn Williams
Biggest inspiration: My mom
Morning or night game: Night
Pre-game coffee or energy drink: Coffee
Favorite post-game snack or meal: Pasta
Gopher Sports: Can you take me through your background?
Katelyn Rigg: "I grew up in Washington State in Western Washington, in Olympia. I'm the oldest of five kids, I have three sisters and one brother. We all grew up playing sports, hanging out, and then I went and did my undergrad at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington."
GS: How did you start playing soccer? What got you into it?
KR: "I honestly don't even remember. I played so many sports growing up when I was little, and soccer was the one that stuck. I couldn't tell you the first time that I touched a soccer ball or kicked a soccer ball, but it's just what stuck. I just loved it more than the other ones."
GS: When did you realize that you had a future in soccer, playing collegiately or even potentially beyond?
KR: "That's a good question! It probably wasn't until my sophomore year of college! Because I didn't play, I wasn't on the soccer team at Gonzaga my freshman year, I walked on. I started as an equipment manager, actually. But I think when I realized I wanted to was probably freshman year of high school. I played club in middle school and what not, but the feeling of playing for your school, playing for an institution, I loved that. It was so fun to get to play in the stadium and wear your school's name."
GS: How did your relationship with Erin Chastain and her staff begin?
KR: "I first talked to Erin, I think I was driving home for Thanksgiving break, and it was a great conversation. I remember we talked about a lot of things, and I walked away thinking, 'Oh, I'd love to come out on a visit.' Then I came out pretty shortly thereafter, right after school ended. I got to meet the coaching staff in person and it was a great experience. They were just really lovely people, and I was like, 'These are the type of coaches that you want to play for.'"
GS: How has it been transitioning to a new city for you?
KR: "I've loved it! It's been so fun. There's obviously always elements of an unknown that are scary, and change can be really scary. And it is, but I think I've loved getting to be in a new place and getting to see new things and meet my teammates and new people. Overall, I've loved it!"
GS: What has been your favorite part so far about being on campus?
KR: "I've loved just getting to be able to work out and train with the team, that's probably been a highlight for me. In a super technical, specific way, I've loved literally living across the street! Just being able to walk places has been super fun. I've loved getting to walk everywhere, it's a great way to get to know a place, so I've really, really enjoyed just familiarizing myself."
GS: What are some things you're looking forward to as a Gopher this fall?
KR: "Oh my gosh, mostly everything! I'm looking forward to game days, I'm so excited to play out at ELR (Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium), and just getting to know the team and experience that."
GS: Do you have any goals for yourself in your first season here?
KR: "I'm really wanting to focus on experiencing all that I can and just enjoying that. That was a really big motivation for me coming here, is just to have new experiences. I really want to continue to get to know the team and the people more too, I think that's a big goal. But yeah, I would love to make an impact on the field as well. I'm really just focused on wanting to help the team in whatever way I can."
Quick Kicks with Katelyn Rigg
Hobbies outside of soccer: I like to read, I like to bake, and I like to run too
Favorite sweet treat: All of them! If I had to pick one, I'd say ice cream.
What sport would you play if it were not soccer: Track
Favorite pro sports team: Seattle Mariners
Favorite athlete: Lynn Williams
Biggest inspiration: My mom
Morning or night game: Night
Pre-game coffee or energy drink: Coffee
Favorite post-game snack or meal: Pasta
Thursday, October 30
Tuesday, October 21
Sunday, October 19
Friday, October 17