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/ Women's Basketball
Meet the Newcomers: Kylee Paben
8/18/2026 10:26:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Get to know freshman Kylee Paben
Kylee Paben joins the Minnesota women's basketball team as a highly anticipated freshman, bringing a wealth of experience from her years as a multi-sport athlete. Paben is eager to transition her high-energy motor and adaptable playing style to the Big Ten stage as she begins her collegiate career in the Twin Cities.
Gopher Sports: Can you take me through your background?
Kylee Paben: "I always grew up around sports, it's always been my dream to come play at a school like Minnesota. I grew up always wanting to be super competitive and be in all sports. I played soccer, softball, volleyball, basketball, all those things growing up, so it's just kind of been my nature."
GS: When did you really start to realize that basketball was your sport versus the others, or when did you really excel more at that one to chase college basketball?
KP: "I've always looked at my dad as a huge inspiration for basketball because he played it and his brother was a basketball coach, so that was definitely the main sport in my life always. In high school, I kind of narrowed it down to volleyball and basketball. I'd always excelled at basketball a little bit more, but I do really enjoy volleyball. But my sophomore year, I did decide to really focus on basketball so I could then accomplish my dreams of playing at a school like this."
GS: What made Minnesota stand out to you during your recruiting process?
KP: "It was definitely the culture and the coaching staff, those were two huge things. They just have such a great team culture, so much energy and were really easy to talk to. They're super confident in me, which was also a big thing."
GS: Do you have any favorite memories from playing high school or prep basketball?
KP: "In high school, I won two state championships, so those were definitely my favorite memories. I got to meet some of my best friends and play with them, so I'm still connected with them. My last year of AAU, that's the tightest I've ever been with a team. We were all best friends, we all loved each other so much, and we still talk in our group chats to this day. We have so many inside jokes and love to hang out."
GS: How has it been transitioning into college life and into a new city?
KP: "It's been a big transition. It's a lot of change in your life at one time, so it's taking a little bit to get used to. There's obviously ups and downs, but I think the team has made it really easy to transition because they've all been so welcoming. If I have any questions or need to know how to do anything, even off the court, they're on top of it."
GS: What's been your favorite part about being at Minnesota so far?
KP: "It's all just so new, so just meeting new people, trying out new restaurants, and just adapting to college life has all been really fun."
GS: What are you looking forward to most in your first season as a Gopher?
KP: "I'm really excited to play basketball in the Big Ten, because it's a dream come true. I'm excited to get to work."
GS: For someone who has never seen you play before, how would you describe your playing style?
KP: "I would say I'm pretty versatile as a player. I'm decently tall and can also shoot the ball, so I think those are two things. Then I'll give my max effort, I have a good motor. I'll be in there trying to get rebounds and just trying to make hustle plays as well."
GS: Are there any athletes that inspire you or your game?
KP: "I like to look at my teammates' game to see how I can fit in with the team and everything. Especially in this role as a freshman, looking up to the upper classmen, I'm going to take advice from them."
GS: What's it going to be like playing in The Barn for your first time as a Golden Gopher?
KP: "It's going to be surreal, I can't wait because everything from the raised court to the huge arena feel is going to be a lot different.'
Rapid Fire with Kylee Paben
Favorite sweet treat: Ice cream
Fun fact about yourself: Both of my parents were college athletes at South Dakota (Mom was a softball pitcher and Dad played basketball)
Secret talents: Juggling
What sport would you play if not basketball: Volleyball
Favorite pro sports team: The San Antonio Spurs
Favorite athlete: A'ja Wilson
Biggest inspiration: My parents
Favorite TV show: Love Island
Favorite musical artist: Lil Baby
Dream vacation spot: Greece
Go-to pregame snack: Some sort of protein
Gopher Sports: Can you take me through your background?
Kylee Paben: "I always grew up around sports, it's always been my dream to come play at a school like Minnesota. I grew up always wanting to be super competitive and be in all sports. I played soccer, softball, volleyball, basketball, all those things growing up, so it's just kind of been my nature."
GS: When did you really start to realize that basketball was your sport versus the others, or when did you really excel more at that one to chase college basketball?
KP: "I've always looked at my dad as a huge inspiration for basketball because he played it and his brother was a basketball coach, so that was definitely the main sport in my life always. In high school, I kind of narrowed it down to volleyball and basketball. I'd always excelled at basketball a little bit more, but I do really enjoy volleyball. But my sophomore year, I did decide to really focus on basketball so I could then accomplish my dreams of playing at a school like this."
GS: What made Minnesota stand out to you during your recruiting process?
KP: "It was definitely the culture and the coaching staff, those were two huge things. They just have such a great team culture, so much energy and were really easy to talk to. They're super confident in me, which was also a big thing."
GS: Do you have any favorite memories from playing high school or prep basketball?
KP: "In high school, I won two state championships, so those were definitely my favorite memories. I got to meet some of my best friends and play with them, so I'm still connected with them. My last year of AAU, that's the tightest I've ever been with a team. We were all best friends, we all loved each other so much, and we still talk in our group chats to this day. We have so many inside jokes and love to hang out."
GS: How has it been transitioning into college life and into a new city?
KP: "It's been a big transition. It's a lot of change in your life at one time, so it's taking a little bit to get used to. There's obviously ups and downs, but I think the team has made it really easy to transition because they've all been so welcoming. If I have any questions or need to know how to do anything, even off the court, they're on top of it."
GS: What's been your favorite part about being at Minnesota so far?
KP: "It's all just so new, so just meeting new people, trying out new restaurants, and just adapting to college life has all been really fun."
GS: What are you looking forward to most in your first season as a Gopher?
KP: "I'm really excited to play basketball in the Big Ten, because it's a dream come true. I'm excited to get to work."
GS: For someone who has never seen you play before, how would you describe your playing style?
KP: "I would say I'm pretty versatile as a player. I'm decently tall and can also shoot the ball, so I think those are two things. Then I'll give my max effort, I have a good motor. I'll be in there trying to get rebounds and just trying to make hustle plays as well."
GS: Are there any athletes that inspire you or your game?
KP: "I like to look at my teammates' game to see how I can fit in with the team and everything. Especially in this role as a freshman, looking up to the upper classmen, I'm going to take advice from them."
GS: What's it going to be like playing in The Barn for your first time as a Golden Gopher?
KP: "It's going to be surreal, I can't wait because everything from the raised court to the huge arena feel is going to be a lot different.'
Rapid Fire with Kylee Paben
Favorite sweet treat: Ice cream
Fun fact about yourself: Both of my parents were college athletes at South Dakota (Mom was a softball pitcher and Dad played basketball)
Secret talents: Juggling
What sport would you play if not basketball: Volleyball
Favorite pro sports team: The San Antonio Spurs
Favorite athlete: A'ja Wilson
Biggest inspiration: My parents
Favorite TV show: Love Island
Favorite musical artist: Lil Baby
Dream vacation spot: Greece
Go-to pregame snack: Some sort of protein
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