Senior safety McHale Korf of the Concordia Cobbers is embracing the dual roles of father and football player this season. Korf welcomed his daughter, Willow, with his girlfriend, Ryley Paulson, on August 12, 2023, just as the team prepared for fall football.
Korf’s first game of the season is scheduled against Mayville State at 7 p.m. on September 6 at Jake Christiansen Stadium. This matchup marks not only the Cobbers’ season opener but also their first night game at the stadium. For Korf, it holds special significance as it will be the first time his daughter is in attendance.
“It’s going to add a little more of a motivational piece,” Korf said. “You’re doing this for her and for the memories of her. One day you will look back and maybe show her video clips of the game, and you want those clips to be good.”
Standing at 6 feet and weighing 200 pounds, Korf is pursuing a degree in healthcare leadership while balancing his responsibilities as a father and an athlete. He expressed that the past few weeks have been both exhilarating and demanding.
“It’s been crazy,” Korf shared. “It’s been some of the best days of my life. Coming home from doing what I love with football and coming home to people I love, memories I will never forget for sure.”
Head coach Terry Horan commended Korf for his maturity and organizational skills in managing both parenting and athletics. “He’s super, super mature,” Horan stated. “He’s handled it with grace. His life is super organized.”
Korf faced challenges during his sophomore season in 2022, suffering a knee injury that sidelined him for most of the year. This setback ultimately allowed him to return for an additional year of eligibility, which he is now fully embracing.
“Right now I’m really living the good of it and that’s being able to compete another year and getting that extra year of eligibility,” Korf explained.
The morning following Willow’s birth, Korf attended a Cobbers team meeting where he received a standing ovation from his teammates. “It’s definitely a type of love feeling that these guys are my brothers and they’re going to be there for me,” he remarked.
Korf plans for Ryley to bring Willow to the season opener, where she will likely be present for the game’s start and return near the end for postgame photos. Capturing this milestone moment is important to Korf, as he hopes to create lasting memories.
Despite the challenges of balancing his commitments, Korf finds fulfillment in his experience. “Sometimes nights get exhausting, but when you’re able to look into her eyes and really see what you’re doing in life has a purpose to it and use her as motivation in your life, it’s helped me get through some tough times or tough days,” he said.
With 76 career tackles across 22 games for the Cobbers, Korf is prepared for the upcoming season. During high school, he played quarterback and cornerback before transitioning to safety at Concordia. He has previous experience running a triple-option offense, which Mayville State has adopted this season.
“It’s kind of cool to see how you game plan and scheme for an offense you used to run,” Korf noted. Horan confirmed Korf’s value in the defensive lineup, emphasizing the importance of discipline in facing a triple-option system.
“He’s fundamentally sound, extremely bright and an incredible leader,” Horan said. “He’s kind of the wily veteran on the block. It’s certainly nice to have his leadership back in our secondary this year.”
As Korf navigates the busy fall, he appreciates the calming influence of his newborn daughter. “It takes your mind off some things, too,” he said. “It really helps to take some time and take care of my daughter and have some time to myself, too. … I’ve really been living in the moment.”
