They say hard work pays off, but for some, those dreams are never actualized. For Dominika Paurová of Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic, all her hard work has paid off and continues to do so. Her legendary early mornings and late nights in the gym have taken her from Daytona, Florida, where she was known as a gym rat at DME Academy, all the way to Oregon State, and now, The University of Kentucky.
For most serious high school basketball players, it is a dream to play at the D1 college level, but it is almost impossible to take those dreams and make it to the Elite Eight. Dominika was able to achieve both with the help of her coaches and training at DME Academy. From the start, Coach Michael Panaggio knew something was special about her. Being on one of the best DME National Girls teams, Dom stood out as a relentless worker who focused not only on her strengths, but also on improving her weaknesses.
During her time at DME Academy, her legend was just getting started. As she lead the National Girls team to a state championship, averaging 11.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game. Her impressive performances over her senior year caught the attention of many recruiters, and she ultimately chose to take her talents to the Pacific Northwest to play for the Oregon State Beavers.
In the 2023-24 season, as a true freshman, Dominika made an immediate impact. Playing in all 35 games, she was a key player in the team’s NCAA Tournament Elite Eight run, averaging 5.5 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. Her late-game heroics and clutch playmaking down the stretch throughout the postseason truly prove that hard work pays off and dreams do come true!
Now, as she transitions to the University of Kentucky for the 2024-25 season, Dominika’s journey continues to inspire aspiring athletes. To learn more about her path from DME Academy to collegiate success and beyond, watch her exclusive interview below.
Dominika Paurová’s story is a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication and the right support. At DME Academy, we are committed to helping student-athletes reach their full potential, both academically and athletically. If you’re aspiring to elevate your game, DME Academy is the place to start. Click here to learn more about our programs.
