Player Profile: Mandi McConnell

April 21, 2005

EAST LANSING, Mich. - In her second season with the Michigan State women's golf team, sophomore Mandi McConnell (Grand Blanc, Mich.) has earned a place on the team's traveling roster and has become an impact player for the Green and White. McConnell has appeared in each of State's nine tournaments this season and is only one of three Spartans to have done so.

Her best outing of the season, as well as of her young career, came at the Lady Northern Invitational, where she finished in a tie for 10th place, en route to leading the team to a fourth-place finish overall.

McConnell hopes to continue her success at the 2005 Big Ten Championships this weekend (April 22-24), hosted by the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich. The Championship will mark McConnell's second post-season Big Ten appearance of her career.

Favorite Color: Not really blue, it's more like a turquoisey blue.

Favorite TV Show: Sex and the City.

Favorite Food: Pizza.

Favorite Place on Campus: The golf course.

Favorite Thing about East Lansing: All the people.

How did you get into golf?

I started when I was four. I would go out with my dad and play in the sand-traps and drive the cart.

Why did you choose Michigan State to play your collegiate golf?

I wanted to stay close to home and I really liked coach.

This season has really been great for you. You have really come into your own. Do you feel more comfortable having two seasons under your belt?

It definitely took me a year, but yes. It took me the full year to adjust to everything here.

How much fun is it to play with these girls?

It's great. The team really wants each other to do well and we all really get along. I think we just have good chemistry and we all have a lot of respect for each other.

What is your favorite thing about being a student-athlete?

Meeting other athletes and seeing other people who really work hard. I guess the main bonuses are that it gets your ready for the real world, with balancing time between school and practice.

Do you have any specific goals that you want to accomplish before you leave Michigan State?

I want to win a tournament and I would like to get better in the rankings individually.

What is your favorite memory so far?

What I always remember is what we do in the van rides or the airplane. Those are the good memories, telling jokes and having fun with the girls.