University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Alumni Spotlight: McKenna Buisman
10/17/2023 5:21:00 PM | Soccer, M Club
A recent graduate of the University of Minnesota, McKenna Buisman left Dinkytown with more than just two degrees, she left with a lifetime of memories. The offensive player made a huge impact on and off the field for the Golden Gophers during her tenure. In honor of the 30th season of Golden Gopher soccer, the Mankato, Minn., native sat down and reflected on her time wearing the Maroon and Gold.
Gopher Sports: As a kid from Minnesota, how special was it to play in and for your home state?
McKenna Buisman: "Being able to put on a Golden Gopher jersey and represent my home state meant everything to me. My family played a huge role in pushing me throughout my soccer career and providing me with opportunities to play at the next level, so it meant a lot to stay close to home and have them in the stands at every game. And I can confidently say that there is no better place to call home than Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium. The game day atmosphere is incredible, and when I look back at my career, the moments at ELR are what I cherish the most."
GS: Why did you choose to play for the University of Minnesota?
MB: "On paper, the University of Minnesota had everything I wanted - a great soccer program in a power five conference, a competitive business school, and a beautiful campus. What I didn't expect was that Gopher Soccer would feel like home the day I stepped on campus. From the coaching staff to my teammates who would become lifelong friends, I quickly realized there was no better place for me."
GS: You were a part of the 2018 team that won the Big Ten Tournament, what made that team so special?
MB: "The 2018 team had an 'it' factor that is hard to describe and impossible to replicate. Every time we stepped on the field, no matter the opponent, we had an unwavering belief that together we could get a result. We didn't care that we were the No. 8 seed or that it would take huge upsets against storied programs to extend our postseason. Our grit and fight was truly second to none, and I think we surprised everyone but ourselves when we held up the Big Ten Tournament trophy that season."
GS: What was your favorite moment as a Golden Gopher? Why?
MB: "One of my favorite memories as a Golden Gopher was actually our last game of the season when we played at Michigan State. I vividly remember pulling up to the stadium and seeing an incredible outpouring of support from all of our families, holding up 'BELIEVE' signs, waving Minnesota flags, and singing the rouser. You would have thought it was our home game, and it felt like that all 90 minutes. When I scored at the beginning of that game, it was such an incredible moment for our team. Our goal all season was to make the Big Ten tournament and we showed we deserved to be there every moment, despite the outcome. It was a special way to end my career."
GS: Since graduating, what have you been up to?
MB: "Since graduating, I have continued my role as a Corporate Strategy Analyst at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. I've enjoyed staying active in new ways and have my first 10k race coming up in October!"
GS: Do you have a message to the current Golden Gophers that are following in your footsteps?
MB: "My best advice to current players is to know your 'why' and hold onto that throughout your career. There are so many ups and downs in college soccer, and having a strong sense of purpose will help you navigate those challenges and cherish each moment because it truly goes by so fast."
GS: What impact did the University of Minnesota soccer program have on you?
MB: "The Gopher Soccer program taught me the value of resilience and dedication. Whether it was my ACL injury or our team being labeled the 'underdog' nearly every year, I learned to never back down from a challenge and instead face adversity head on. Beyond that, the University of Minnesota gave me lifelong friendships and incredible memories that I will carry with me forever."
GS: Lastly, what makes being a part of this program so special?
MB: "One of my favorite parts of this program is the support from all of our families. I always loved pulling up to the field on game days to the parents tailgating and feeling their excitement about the game ahead. Oftentimes our away games made us feel right at home because our fans traveled so well. We truly are one big Minnesota Soccer family, and I don't think that's an experience you get in very many other places."