After helping lead Fairmont State to a 2025 Mountain East Conference (MEC) Championship, Swedish forward David Jolinder is entering the NCAA transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining. As he figures out what’s next, it’s a good time to look back at Jolinder’s story, one shaped by hard work and a passion for basketball and his culture.
Jolinder chose Fairmont State for more than just the opportunity to play, and it was the people and the belief that drew him in. “I felt a great belief in the coaches and that they believed in me,” he said. “It was obvious that they were genuinely honest and good persons and that made Fairmont feel very comfortable. I also valued the winning culture that exists here. I’ve always wanted to win, so I believed it fit my goals.”
That decision proved to be the right one. Jolinder quickly became a major contributor for the Falcons, leading the team in scoring this past season with 15.7 points per game and pulling down 6.4 rebounds a night. His efforts earned him First Team All-MEC honors, as well as national recognition on the NABC All-District Second Team and Academic All-District honors.
But for Jolinder, it’s about more than stats, it’s about memories. “Definitely the ending to this season when we won the MEC championship,” he said when asked about his favorite moment as a Falcon. “I also cherish our trip to Bowling Green and Cleveland — we won the game and then went to an NBA game. That was a really fun experience.”
Going from Sweden to college basketball in the U.S. was tough, especially getting used to how the game works here. “There is a lot more one-on-one play here and less dependence on set plays,” Jolinder explained. “Also, the pace of the game is quicker here in the U.S.”
Off the court, he had to adjust to a whole new lifestyle. “I’ve needed to become familiar with new social norms, new food, and much more,” he said. “The biggest change has been not being able to easily meet family and friends.” Jolinder even made sure to share a bit of home with his teammates. “Absolutely,” he said, when asked if he’d introduced them to Swedish culture. “In terms of food, I’ve mostly introduced them to sweets. I’m a big fan of these cinnamon buns we have back home, so I’ve let them try some of those and some of the very special candy we have. You’ll have to ask them for their thoughts — at least I like them!”
He also mentioned his teammates have picked up a few Swedish sayings along the way: “I am also sure that my teammates have learned a couple of Swedish sayings throughout the years.”
Before games, Jolinder turns to music to get in the zone. “My music taste depends a lot on my mood,” he said, listing Afrobeats, house, and hip hop in Swedish, English, and French as favorites. One track that makes the cut often? “Active” by Asake.
When asked to describe himself in three words, he responded without hesitation: “Ambitious, caring, and curious.”
With one year of eligibility left and an impressive résumé, Jolinder is keeping his options open as he explores the transfer portal. Wherever he goes next, he’ll bring a winning mentality, international perspective, and the drive that made him a standout at Fairmont State
