The first CAC INTRODUCING … featured student-athlete of the 2011-12 season is Frostburg State senior Michelle Buckmaster, who led her team to great heights over the past two seasons.

In 2009, Buckmaster posted an 8-1 record as the Bobcats won the conference championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament in their last season as members of the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference. 

In 2010, she registered 15 of FSU’s 17 victories on the way to second place in the regular-season standings and a berth in the title match as first-year members of the CAC. 

Heading into her final season, Buckmaster has her sights set on improving last year’s outstanding 0.61 goals against average and seven shutouts – gaudy numbers in a conference that features traditionally strong teams at Stevenson (2010 CAC champ), Mary Washington (2009 CAC champ), St. Mary’s (2008 CAC champ), York (2007 CAC champ) and Salisbury (2006 CAC champ).

Heading into the opening of play in all Division III sports this weekend, the CAC introduces fans to FSU’s Michelle Buckmaster.

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play?   I have played soccer since I was about 4 years old, I played for a travel team from age 9 to age 14; I played every position but my favorite was definitely goalkeeper. I played for my high school, Calvert High, and started as their goalkeeper for all four years I attended.

What is your favorite spot on campus?  My favorite spot on campus would have to be the Lane Center, there is awesome food and a really killer coffee spot!

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place visit?   Outside of my home and campus, my favorite place to visit would have to be the beach of course! Any beach at all, I could lay in the sand all day, every day if someone let me.

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in?   Other than my team, I also participate in an on-campus sorority, Delta Zeta, and a teaching organization, FSEA, which is an education association.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.   My most memorable experience during my athletic college career would have to be winning a conference championship (2009 as members of the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference).  There is just nothing like winning a championship.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?   The most important societal issue facing college students currently would have to be drinking and the peer pressure that comes along with it.

If you could change any one item in the world (in your personal life, school, community, amateur or professional sports, national/international issue, etc.), what would it be, why, and how would you do it?   If I could change any one item in the world, I would change gas prices, they are getting ridiculous.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?   My major in college is Early Childhood Education; the most important thing that I have learned from that discipline is patience and passion. You need patience when working with children, and you need a special passion to make it through.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?  Other than my family members, the most influential person in my life would have to be my high school basketball and softball coach. He taught me some of the most valuable life lessons including hard work and pride.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?   My favorite form of entertainment is dance; it’s creative and fun!

What is your favorite source of information (TV, book, magazine, website, friends in dining hall, etc.)?   My favorite source of information would have to be from my best friends because even if it's not true, I love hearing their stories.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?  If I could give one piece of advice to elementary school children it would be to get me as a teacher!

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?  Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, my favorite sports team is the Boston Red Sox, because baseball is awesome and my boyfriend is a Boston fan - I was suckered into it!

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?  If I could have dinner with any three people in the world it would have to be Reba McEntire because she is my absolute favorite country singer, Will Ferrell because he is just hilarious, and Ryan Sheckler just to have someone to look at!