Up Close With Marie Harper
11/18/2002 7:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
Nov. 18, 2002
This is the first in a series of profiles with the Maryland women's golf team.
This junior finished the fall season strong, tying for 15th place at the Edwin Watts/Palmetto Intercollegiate in Kiawah Island, S.C., as the Terps took fourth place, their highest finish of the season. She carded a 75, followed by two rounds of 74 for a total seven-over-par 223. Meet Marie Harper.
What is your goal for the upcoming season?
My goal for the season is to continue to improve something about my game everyday and every tournament.
Who has been the most important influence in your golf career?
My parents have been the most important influences in my golf career.
What has been your favorite moment as a Terp? Why?
My favorite moment as a Terp was the night we won the national championship because it was such an unbelievable experience.
What do you do when you're not playing golf?
When I am not playing golf, I am a normal college student who goes to class and enjoys campus life.
What do you consider to be your best performance as a Terp?
My best performance as a Terp was at James Madison my freshman year when the team won its first tournament in the program's history.
Why did you choose to come to Maryland?
I chose to come to Maryland because I loved the atmosphere around campus and thought the chemistry on the golf team matched what I was looking for.
How do you hope to improve your performance from last season?
I hope to help my team...to work towards finishing well at the conference championship in the spring.
Do you have any pre-round superstitions or rituals?
My practice range warm-up is always the same as far as what clubs I hit and I also always warm-up putting with the same number golf balls.
What stands out most about Coach Rodenhaver?
The thing that stands out most is his determination to build a great golf program that represents Maryland well.
What do you miss most about home when you're at school or on the road?
I miss the quiet of a small town.
What is the best advice you ever received?
Live for yourself and the things that make you happy.
What are your post-college aspirations, other than pro-golf?
I guess my dream job would be writing for a sports magazine.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Dirty dishes in the sink at my house.
What is the craziest thing you would like to do?
I would like to skydive.
What is your worst habit?
Procrastination like every other college student.
What is your biggest athletic thrill?
Personally, winning a tournament. Generally, watching legends like Arnold Palmer play at the U.S. Senior Open.
Who do you admire most?
I admire my sister the most because she has overcome all odds to accomplish her goals.
Fill in the blank: "I'm first in line to see every movie starring _______."
Brad Pitt
After you graduate, what one non-golf-related event will you always remember about your college days?
I am only a junior, but I would say winning the national championship in basketball.
What CD is in your stereo right now?
Kenny Chesney-"No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem"
What is one thing that most people wouldn't know about you?
I love poetry.
What is one interesting fact about your hometown of West Point, Va.?
My hometown's population is about 3,500 people.
What is your favorite professional sports team?
The Atlanta Braves
What is your favorite TV show?
"Friends" and "ER"
What is your favorite movie?
Too many to choose from although "Caddyshack" is an obvious choice
Who is your favorite musician/group?
Janet Jackson, Linkin Park, Tim McGraw
What is your favorite sport besides golf?
Volleyball
What is your favorite vacation that you've taken?
Myrtle Beach
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
Fred Couples
What is your favorite type of food?
Southern home cooking
What would you do if you couldn't play golf?
Play volleyball
If you had 24 hours to do whatever you wanted, what would you do?
Since it is part of my dream job, go hang out with the men and women of "SportsCenter."
If you could spend a day with anybody (real, fictional, alive, or dead), who would it be? Why?
Dick Schapp because he was the best sports reporter/writer of our time with so many stories to tell.
If you could go wherever you wanted, where would you go?
Greece or Ireland
If you could change one thing about the University of Maryland, what would it be?
More close parking for students.
