Mandy (Horazdovsky) Padjen (2025) - Concordia-St. Paul Athletic Hall of Fame

Concordia-St. Paul Athletic Hall of Fame

Mandy (Horazdovsky) Padjen

Class

2004
Induction

2025
Sport(s)

Volleyball

The founding member of Concordia's now eight-member 1,000-kill, 1,000-dig club, Mandy (Horazdovsky) Padjen was an instrumental part of the program's transformation into an NCAA Division II volleyball powerhouse.

An outside hitter for the Golden Bears, Padjen achieved instant recognition in her first season on the court as she was named NSIC Freshman of the Year and an All-NSIC Honorable Mention in 2000 after leading the team in both kills (343) and digs (345). In her sophomore season in 2001, Padjen ranked second on the team with 357 digs while adding 201 kills, fourth most on the team.

In 2002, Padjen once again led the team with 422 digs and added 254 kills, earning All-NSIC First Team honors while helping the Golden Bears to a 24-9 overall record and 13-5 mark in NSIC play.

Padjen helped the program reach new heights in her senior campaign in 2003, tallying 576 digs and 322 kills to earn All-NSIC First Team honors and propel the Golden Bears to their first of 11-straight NSIC regular season titles, the program's first NCAA Region Championship before finishing as Division II national runner-up, reaching the national championship match while finishing 32-4 overall.

After graduating from Concordia in 2004, Padjen spent nearly 20 years working as a math teacher and data specialist for Wayzata Public Schools. She now operates her own business as a design consultant and renovation specialist, helping clients transform their spaces into both functional and beautiful environments. She has also served as a youth volleyball coach at MN Select for more than 10 years, including coaching her own daughter for the past five years.

Padjen resides in Maple Grove, Minnesota with her husband George, daughter, Mia, and puppy, Hazel.

Career Awards