Marques Korpela, VP of Recruiting

Southwest Minnesota State University

[email protected]

(312) 610-6071

I was fortunate to have an opportunity to play in college while accomplishing my true goal, which was to earn a college degree. I struggled tremendously during the recruiting process, as it was just my mom and myself trying to navigate a system neither of us knew much about. I ended up at UW-Whitewater, a Division III program, where after a year I was forced due to an injury to step away from the game I worked so hard to play. I moved back home and decided to start coaching while I was rehabbing. A few years later, I walked on at Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) and eventually earned a scholarship after my first season with the team. During my time at both the UW Whitewater and SMSU, I played the quarterback position and was named to the Academic All-Conference team in multiple years. Looking back now, I wish I would have had an organization such as NCSA to advocate for me, and I’m grateful to be a part of that process for today’s student-athletes.

Coming to NCSA has been nothing short of a blessing, as I have been able to get back into the sports world after spending numerous years in retail management. Having the ability to directly impact student-athletes’ lives in a positive manner is the most rewarding part of what I do. I’m grateful to be part of their journeys, and I love hearing from the many families I’ve worked with on where their student-athlete is headed in the fall. Hearing about families’ situations changing in a sometimes dramatic fashion is so powerful. I’m privileged to do this work!

When I am not plugged in and on the job, I am enjoying the company of my wonderful wife and two daughters. We spend time cooking, exploring our city and watching sports as a family regularly. I’m looking forward to the recruiting process with NCSA in my daughters’ futures as that time draws near!