NCAA Division III
Northwest Conference
Laurie Turner, Athletic Director

 
Home
Schedule
Roster
Fact Sheet
Outlook
Statistics
Releases
Head Coach
Assistant Coach
Records
Recruiting Form
 
Athletics Home
PLU Home
NWC Home
 
Athletic Department
Pacific Lutheran Univ.
Tacoma, WA 98447

Contact us
 

Athlete Profile

Melissa Buitrago
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