Quinlin adding her own chapter to Northwest legacy
JON DYKSTRA/THE FORUM
Kori Quinlin is introduced at the Hound Pound this spring.
MARYVILLE, Mo. – Kori Quinlin’s soccer career was almost certainly going to extend beyond this spring. This week, Quinlin announced where that would be as the Maryville senior decided to continue her career on the pitch at home, committing to Northwest Missouri State.
“It means a lot to me,” Quinlin said. “Northwest has been like a legacy for my family with my dad in the weight room and my mom in the athletic training room. My dad always played football there and my brother plays basketball there now.”
Joe Quinlin’s ties to the university goes back to the late 90’s where he was a part of two national championship teams. Quinlin was a personal trainer for the city of Maryville from 2004-2008, then in June of 2008 took over as strength and conditioning coach at the university.
Kori Quinlin said despite his deep ties to the school, her dad left the decision on where her future lies up to her.
“He wanted to give me my space so that it was completely my decision,” Quinlin said. “He didn’t want to be a factor in the decision. Obviously, he’s for Northwest so he wasn’t against the idea because he would subtly bring it up every once in a while. Like, ‘Oh, it would be great if you can and I could work you and your brother out’. I just thought oh, that’s a great dad.”
Like her husband, Kelly Quinlin graduated from Northwest in 2000 and also received her bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University. Kelly Quinlin became head athletic trainer in 2008.
Kori Quinlin said she’s looking forward to working with her dad after spending most of her time working out with her mom.
“I’m really looking forward to working with my dad,” Quinlin said. “I’ve had athletes my entire life tell me stories about how great a coach and strength coach he is. Surprisingly, I’ve only worked out with my mom for the most part.”
Kori Quinlin is accustomed to legacy and the pressure that comes with soccer at Maryville High School. In three years as a Spoofhound, Quinlin has been a part of 38 wins and two district championships while helping the Spoofhounds to their first conference championship since 2003.
Quinlin is coming off a junior year where she was fourth on the team in steals (20) and third in assists with six. The midfielder was named Second-Team All-MEC Defense and Second-Team All-District.
“For me personally, my mindset has always been to just enjoy the game, and even on the hard days, give it my all,” Quinlin said.
While it seems like being a Bearcat was a forgone conclusion, Quinlin said there were other opportunities and the idea of leaving Maryville had crossed her mind.
Making the decision even easier was the relationship built with head coach Marc Gordon, who she’d gotten to know through her father.
“I’d seen him at coaching function and we’ve always kind of had a friendship through that,” Quinlin said. “He’s been to some of our soccer games and I’ve sent him my film from club soccer and he’s seen my commitment. I’ve been going to Northwest soccer camps every summer and he’s seen me get better and better throughout the years and hopefully that continues.”
