Pregame Playlist: Andrei MinakovPregame Playlist: Andrei Minakov
Men's Swimming & Diving

Pregame Playlist: Andrei Minakov

Every athlete has a go-to playlist that they listen to before they take the field, step on the court, or dive into the pool. In Pregame Playlist we bring Stanford student-athletes' playlists to you!

Before every game, match, or meet every athlete has a go-to playlist that they listen to before to get themselves ready for action. In Pregame Playlist we hear what student-athletes' playlists mean to them! Today, let's talk to Andrei Minakov, who shares how his playlist represents where he comes from and what makes it so unique ahead of NCAA Championships.

GoStanford.com: What’s your favorite song on this playlist and why?

Andrei Minakov: Definitely матушка by Татьяна Куртукова since it resonates and reminds me of the home the most. 

GS: Who are your favorite artists these days?

AM: Two of my current favorite artists are Russian singer "MACAN" and Travis Scott.

Andrei Minakov_SG_10182024_255 - CopySTANFORD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 18: Andrei Minakov during a meet between University of California-Berkeley and Stanford University at Avery Aquatic Center on October 18, 2024 in Stanford, California.
Andrei Minakov4

GS: What about this playlist gets you ready for competition?

AM: That playlist has a great mix of songs that makes my head cool and be ready to perform at very best. It has some really good songs but also some calm and relaxing ones are mixed in! 

GS: How would you describe your music taste in general?

AM: I can listen to any type of music honestly and love to switch genres occasionally. 

GS: Does this playlist differ from what you listen to normally? If so, how come?

AM: I wouldn't say that what I listen to is different than what I normally listen to. I'm the type of the person who listens to the same music every day basically.

GS: Any unique stories behind what these songs meant to you or your team?

AM: We have some mutual friends with MACAN and watched him come from nothing. It's been more than 5 years now and he just outperforms everyone in Russia now. The craziest part is that he is my age! 

GS: How does your music taste compare to the rest of your team's?

AM: I would say that my music taste is a lot different compared to my teammates. Primarily because I don't have that much of a background in American rap, but occasionally we all listen to some ABBA or other classics in the locker room. 

GS: Describe your relationship with music, and how/if that relates to your sport.

LN: I can live without music easily, especially when doing my sport. The only connection that I can think of is that both sport and music is a a piece of art! You have to be unique, creative and determined! 

Check out Andrei's full playlist below.