Athlete Profile
Hometown
Kent, Wash. |
High
School
Kentridge |
Year
Senior |
Major
Psychology |
The only senior on the 2007
PLU women's soccer team, Melissa Buitrago will be counted on
to provide leadership and a steadying influence in the middle
of the field. She has been a starter throughout her Lutes soccer
career.
Describe
your family. How have they helped you in your athletic career?
My dad taught me soccer and passed on his passion for the game
to me. Growing up with two older brothers made me tough and always
want to work harder to be able to hang with them in anything they
did, which was sports, and in particular, soccer. When I was young
I would always be the only girl playing with all the boys, which
I think has a lot to do with me as an athlete.
Describe any hardships or
extenuation circumstances that you have faced to get to where
you are today.
I can't say I have faced anything out of the ordinary. I am just
grateful for any tough times that come my way because how you
deal with the bad events in life and what you take away from them
shape who you are.
What made you decide to come
to PLU?
In the college search, I always wanted to go to a small school
and I always wanted to play soccer. Everything just came together
perfectly when the time came to choose a school.
Have you studied abroad?
If so, describe your experiences?
I have not studied abroad but I have always wanted to study in
Spain because it is beautiful there and I could get in touch with
the other half of my heritage.
What
has been your favorite class at PLU?
Sport Psychology. I've always wanted to study it and I've been
an admirer of Dr. (Colleen) Hacker since I was much younger. The
applied sport psych class is by far my favorite class ever.
Have you had any trouble
balancing athletics with academics?
Yes, athletics and academics is tough to do. It puts a bit of
strain on me, but teammates in my classes have helped me through
the tough parts.
What are your plans after
college?
I hope to eventually get my masters in Sport Psychology.
When your athletic career
is all said and done, what is it that you would want people to
say about you?
I'm not sure exactly, just to be remembered or missed would be
nice.
Describe your hometown and
what you miss about it the most.
I grew up in Kent, which is not too far from here. It's all I've
known really and I wouldn't mind staying close. I miss my Grandma's
house on Lake Meridian the most. She's pretty much the best person
ever and it's the most amazing and comfortable place to be.
What's your favorite spot
on campus?
I guess it would be the soccer field; lots of good times with
many people, but it also represents how hard work can pay off
and feel good.
What is your favorite restaurant
in Tacoma?
The Ram.
What music is playing in
your ipod right now?
Timbaland - Miscommunication