Out of the Water with Terri Bukofzer
4/22/2008 12:00:00 AM | Water Polo
In her second season at Michigan, Terri Bukofzer has become a go to player for the Wolverines. Whether it is for a key steal or emergency duty in the cage, Bukofzer has become a key component to the Maize and Blue's success. She has already set a career best in goals this season and has yet to miss a game in her collegiate career.
Growing up in South Africa, Bukofzer has had a chance to see life in two drastically different cultures. As Michigan gears up for the Eastern Championship, she sat down with us to discuss her life on two continents, pregame rituals and Crunchy bars.
On why she came to Michigan
I wanted a school that had a really good academic reputation that would get recognition when I graduated but also fit what I wanted with athletics. I also really wanted to start playing right away.
On her best memory inside water polo
Our team's spring break trip to Hawaii last year was really fun. We worked out hard but still got to have fun rather than just always thinking about school and games -- it was a really good atmosphere. The best experience was jumping off this big rock. I'm not very risky and I said the people doing it on the first day were dumb and that I would never do it in a million years. I ended up going off of it four times and I loved it.
On her best memory outside water polo
When school is over, I like to lay out on Elbel Field with the friends that I have made here. It is very relaxing.
On pregame rituals
I do the exact same swimming and warm-up every game. That is really it. As long as I get in that exact same yardage and that whole warm-up then I am fine.
On her idol growing up
One of my older brothers, Rory. He is the reason I started playing water polo. He does well at everything: school, water polo, etc. I've always wanted to be just like him.
On her start in water polo
My dad played on the South African team, and when we moved to the United States my brother played in high school and was really good at it. I was getting bored with swimming and I wanted to be just like my older brother so I decided to play water polo. As it turned out, I loved it.
On what she would do if she wasn't a student-athlete
I would probably be involved more with other groups on campus. I love animals, so maybe something with them or a veterinary group.
On growing up in South Africa
It was amazing. I didn't think anything differently when I was there, but when we moved here I missed the culture and the people and the food. All of my family was there, so it was fun. It has been great to be able to grow up in two cultures and see the similarities and differences. I loved the weather there. I have good memories there because I grew up there and I do miss it.
On her favorite South African food
I really liked the chocolate there; I don't like American chocolate. It is sweeter and milkier there. My favorite kind is called a Crunchy and they don't make it here so I have it shipped to me. It is really yummy. I also love something called a Rusk. You dip it in coffee and tea. It is a biscuit-type thing that gets soft when you dip it. I made Leah (Robertson) and Brittany (May) try it and they are obsessed with it now.
Contact: Ryan Sosin (734) 763-4423
