Dec. 2, 2002

This is the second in a series of profiles with the Maryland women's golf team.

This senior finished in the top 25 in three out of four fall tournaments, including 15th place at the Lady Pirate Fall Intercollegiate in Greenville, N.C. The team captain, she was one of two Terps to compete in all four tournaments this fall, and her 77.9 stroke average led the team. Meet Erin Clasper.

You've been with the team since its inaugural season. What kinds of changes have you noticed since freshman year?
Gosh, it's really been four years? I have noticed more confidence among the players. We have all gotten better in different aspects and are more comfortable competing in tournaments. The program has grown in size and achievement and it has been a great experience to witness it first hand.

Do you feel any added responsibilities being the team captain?
I don't think anyone puts added responsibilities on me except for myself. I want to set a good example and make sure that my teammates are comfortable talking to me about any issues.

What is you goal for the upcoming season?
My individual goal is to improve throughout the season. I hope to finish in the top ten during 2 of my five tournaments individually during each season.

Who has been the most important influence in your golf career?
Without a question, my dad. He is always patient, realistic and extremely motivating and encouraging.

What is your favorite moment as a Terp? Why?
Being a part of the winning team at James Madison. To have everyone playing well and determined to win was something very special.

What do you do when you're not playing golf?
Well, besides school work, I hang out with friends and have fun.

What do you consider to be your best performance as a Terp?
My best performance would have to be during the Lady Seahawk Invitational [when I shared the individual title]. Not only did I play well, but I had a lot of confidence in myself, which a golfer really needs to have.

Why did you choose to come to Maryland?
Maryland was starting a new program and it was really special to join a new program and go down in the history books as part of the inaugural season.

How do you hope to improve your performance from last season?
I plan to continue to work hard on my weaknesses and find the confidence I had last season.

Do you have any pre-round superstitions or rituals?
I have to have a ribbon in my hair and get a good song stuck in my head.

What word best describes you?
Determined.

What do you miss most about home when you're at school?
Home-cooked meals!!!

What is the best advice you ever received?
Play your own game!

What are your post-college aspirations, other than pro-golf?
I plan on teaching 4th or 5th grade. I would love to teach during the school day and then coach a high school golf team.

What is your biggest pet peeve?
When roommates leave dishes in the sink and books on the family room floor.

What is your worst habit?
Biting my nails when I get nervous.

What is your biggest athletic thrill?
Qualifying for the United States Women's Amateur this summer.

Who do you admire most?
My parents.

Fill in the blank: "I'm first in line to see every movie starring ________."
Julia Roberts.

After you graduate, what one non-golf-related moment will you always remember about your college days?
It's a toss up between the tornado [last fall] and seeing the riots after we won the National Championship.

What CD is in your stereo right now?
A country mix.

What is one interesting fact about your hometown of North Potomac, Md.?
President Bush spoke at my high school [Thomas S. Wootton] last year.

What is your favorite TV show?
"Friends" since "90210" went off the air.

What is your favorite movie?
"While You Were Sleeping."

Who is your favorite musician?
Tim McGraw.

What is your favorite sport besides golf?
Baseball.

What is your favorite vacation you've taken?
Canada.

Who is your favorite pro athlete?
Ernie Els.

What is your favorite type of food?
Mexican.

If you were on "Survivor," what one item would you take as your luxury item?
A pillow.

If you had 24 hours to do whatever you want, what do you do?
Take the fastest plane to the Bahamas!

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?
Ireland because I have always wanted to see where my family comes from.

If you could have one super power, what would it be? Why?
I would want to read people's minds. It would make life a lot easier.

If you could change one thing about the University of Maryland, what would it be?
Allow student athletes to have special parking.