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Meet the Newcomers: Matigann Vixayvong
8/3/2026 10:43:00 AM | Soccer
Get to know Matigann Vixayvong!
Growing up in Lakeville, Minn., Matigann Vixayvong grew up around the University of Minnesota and the Golden Gophers. Now, the technical playmaker has returned home to join the University of Minnesota soccer team, eager to bring her quick, collaborative style to Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium. In this spotlight, Vixayvong shares why Minnesota was a great fit and what it means to finally take the field in front of her family and the community she grew up in.
Gopher Sports: Can you take me through your background?
Matigann Vixayvong: "I grew up in Lakeville, Minnesota. I have a younger sister, she's going into her sophomore year in high school. We both played soccer together and my dad coached us through the years."
GS: What club team did you play for growing up?
MV: "Well, I played for Eclipse when I was younger, and then when I went into my freshman year of high school, I played for MTA (Minnesota Thunder Academy)."
GS: When did you realize that you had a future in soccer, playing collegiately or even potentially beyond?
MV: "I feel like from a very young age. I kind of realized that I wanted to keep going with my soccer career probably sometime during middle school."
GS: When you entered the portal, what made Minnesota stand out to you during your recruiting process?
MV: "I knew I kind of wanted to stay closer to home, I felt like Minnesota was my top option. Coming here on my visit, the players and the coaching staff made me feel at home."
GS: You've only been here for a few weeks, but you're from here. What's been your favorite part about being on the team so far?
MV: "So far, just the amount of team bonding we do together, and just getting to know each other and getting close to each other."
GS: What are you looking forward to most in your first season as a Gopher?
MV: "I'm really looking forward to the fall. Being able to play close to home, having my family here, and more of my extended family being able to watch me play."
GS: For someone that's never seen you play before, how would you describe your playing style?
MV: "I feel like I'm a very technical player, and I like to play quickly and combine with my teammates."
GS: Are there any soccer players or famous athletes that you would say inspire your game?
MV: "Kobe Bryant's mentality is something that's always stood out to me. As for soccer players, I always like watching Rose Lavelle play."
GS: What do you think it's going to be like playing at ELR (Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium) for the first time as a Gopher?
MV: "I think it's going to be a really cool experience and I'm really excited for it."
GS: What's it going to be like for you to represent your home state?
MV: "It's going to feel great because I always grew up around the University of Minnesota and the Gophers."
Quick Kicks with Matigann Vixayvong
Favorite sweet treat: ice cream
Any secret talents: I can juggle with my hands
What sport would you play if it were not soccer: volleyball
Favorite athlete: Rose Lavelle
Biggest inspiration: my parents
Favorite TV show: Grey's Anatomy
Dream vacation spot: I want to go to Laos, because my dad's from there
Go-to pre-game snack: Fruit Snacks
Gopher Sports: Can you take me through your background?
Matigann Vixayvong: "I grew up in Lakeville, Minnesota. I have a younger sister, she's going into her sophomore year in high school. We both played soccer together and my dad coached us through the years."
GS: What club team did you play for growing up?
MV: "Well, I played for Eclipse when I was younger, and then when I went into my freshman year of high school, I played for MTA (Minnesota Thunder Academy)."
GS: When did you realize that you had a future in soccer, playing collegiately or even potentially beyond?
MV: "I feel like from a very young age. I kind of realized that I wanted to keep going with my soccer career probably sometime during middle school."
GS: When you entered the portal, what made Minnesota stand out to you during your recruiting process?
MV: "I knew I kind of wanted to stay closer to home, I felt like Minnesota was my top option. Coming here on my visit, the players and the coaching staff made me feel at home."
GS: You've only been here for a few weeks, but you're from here. What's been your favorite part about being on the team so far?
MV: "So far, just the amount of team bonding we do together, and just getting to know each other and getting close to each other."
GS: What are you looking forward to most in your first season as a Gopher?
MV: "I'm really looking forward to the fall. Being able to play close to home, having my family here, and more of my extended family being able to watch me play."
GS: For someone that's never seen you play before, how would you describe your playing style?
MV: "I feel like I'm a very technical player, and I like to play quickly and combine with my teammates."
GS: Are there any soccer players or famous athletes that you would say inspire your game?
MV: "Kobe Bryant's mentality is something that's always stood out to me. As for soccer players, I always like watching Rose Lavelle play."
GS: What do you think it's going to be like playing at ELR (Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium) for the first time as a Gopher?
MV: "I think it's going to be a really cool experience and I'm really excited for it."
GS: What's it going to be like for you to represent your home state?
MV: "It's going to feel great because I always grew up around the University of Minnesota and the Gophers."
Quick Kicks with Matigann Vixayvong
Favorite sweet treat: ice cream
Any secret talents: I can juggle with my hands
What sport would you play if it were not soccer: volleyball
Favorite athlete: Rose Lavelle
Biggest inspiration: my parents
Favorite TV show: Grey's Anatomy
Dream vacation spot: I want to go to Laos, because my dad's from there
Go-to pre-game snack: Fruit Snacks
Thursday, October 30
Tuesday, October 21
Sunday, October 19
Friday, October 17