University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Get to Know the Gophers: McKenna Buisman
8/13/2018 5:32:00 PM | Soccer
GopherSports.com: What were your summer plans? Internship? Travel? Playing Soccer? ANYTHING!
McKenna Buisman: As an early high school grad, I was fortunate to get home, celebrate my high school commencement and attend lots of graduation parties. I also had the opportunity to play in the WPSL with the Twin Cities Fire and work on my game by improving my strength and conditioning.
GS: When you had free time this summer what do you like to do with it? Hobbies? Interests?
MB: I really enjoyed spending the free time with friends and family. I also enjoyed hanging out with my high school friends before everyone headed their separate ways to college.
GS: How did you begin playing soccer? What sparked your interest as a child?
MB: I began playing soccer at about age four. I remember my mom and dad being my first coaches for rec soccer and my dad continued to coach me until age 13. My sister Alyssa was also an outstanding high school player and that really inspired me to follow in her footsteps.
GS: What other positions have you played in the past? For instance… if you were a goal scorer in high school, and you are not now, what has that position change been like? Or vice versa…
MB: I have pretty much always been up top as an attacker, but have played some in the midfield, which is also a position I feel comfortable in. I played goalie once at a very young age and gave up the only goal in an 18-1 win, so that was the end of my career in net.
GS: What kind of person would you describe yourself as? What kind of player would you describe yourself as?
MB: I would describe myself as a committed, focused and passionate individual both on and off the field. As a player, I might have a little bit harder edge when I am competing, but I like to laugh, relax and enjoy myself a bit more away from the game.
GS: Have you played other sports in your life?
MB: I didn't really have a second sport, but I could always hold my own in our neighborhood backyard baseball games. I also was involved in ballet until age 14. Dance and soccer might seem like an unusual combination, but I think it helped a lot with my footwork, flexibility, core strength, balance, and poise.
GS: Is there a story behind your number you have in college? What about what you had in high school?
MB: I was always number three for high school and number five for club, but neither of those were available when I came in, so I was given number 15. I then realized my new number is a combination of my club and high school numbers, so I think that's a good sign that I can build off both of those experiences in my college career.
GS: What made you choose to come to the University of Minnesota? What does it mean to be a Gopher to you?
MB: I think it's an awesome opportunity to play for the only Division I program in the state. It's nice being so close to home that my friends and family will get a chance to see me play. In addition, the family culture of the team, style of play, and amazing coaching staff sealed the deal for me. The Carlson School of Management was also a big draw because of its outstanding reputation as one the best business programs in the country.
GS: What is your favorite part about playing soccer here?
MB: Coming in at semester, I was a little nervous about how I would fit in and be accepted, but everybody was very welcoming. It's great being mentored and guided by some of the older players and you can see how committed everyone is to our team success.
Quick Hits
Favorite Soccer player? Favorite Professional athlete? Mia Hamm. I enjoyed reading her book and she really pioneered the path for women's soccer at its highest competitive level. I also really like Mallory Pugh and how she doesn't back down from any opponent despite her young age.
Favorite food/meal? Chicken Alfredo, but following in a close second is a classic burger and vanilla shake.
Favorite Sport besides soccer? Football and hockey
Favorite place you have traveled to? Italy. It was such a great experience with all of my new teammates and I was excited that my mom was also able to make the trip, as well.
Favorite guilty pleasure? Watching Netflix, particularly Gossip Girl and Blacklist.
Favorite social media platform? Instagram