Tee Time with Rika Park
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – With the season in full swing (no pun intended), it is only right that our faithful Canes fans become familiar with the current student-athletes of the five-time national championship women’s golf team. Once a week, HurricaneSports.com will introduce fans to a new member and help you get to know each athlete a little bit better.
In addition, be sure to follow us on Twitter (@hurricanesgolf) for the latest news and updates on your Miami Hurricane women’s golf team. To start us off with the first of six installments of our “Tee Time with” series is sophomore Rika Park.
Hometown: Fujieda Shi-Shizouka, JapanHigh School: Heritage Academy (South Carolina)Major: Exercise Physiology
I’m a Hurricane because… nowhere else would I get the best opportunity to advance academically and professionally than at the University of Miami. At the U, I’ve learned so much from: Coach Rizzo and Coach Koskinen.The most influential person in my life is: Mike and Trish, who were my caregivers while I was in the IJGA. They were like my American parents.One thing that everyone should know about Miami Golf: Everyone should know that we are making progress!
My favorite thing about being part of the U family is: getting to meet all the wonderful people.My favorite golfer is: Annika Sorenstam.My favorite midnight snack is: I don’t eat at midnight.My favorite class is: Sport Psychology.My favorite cartoon when I was growing up was: Doreamon (Japanese cartoon).
If I could play any other sport at UM, it would be: TennisOther than play golf, I love to: RunPeople might be surprised to know I: can sing karaoke for hours by myself.Most embarrassing moment: When my ringtone went off in class and the ringtone was a Japanese song.The farthest place from home I’ve been is: The U.S.
If I could spend a day with anyone, it would be: Jentz (assistant coach Koskinen’s baby boy)My biggest pet peeve is: when other people forget to tell me something important.My worst habit is: biting my nails.If you walked into my dorm room, the first thing you would notice is: the smell of food.When I was little, I wanted to be: a rabbit.Now my dream job is: to be a successful professional golfer and own my own company.
About my teammates:Most competitive: Laura HendeeBest dressed: Coach KoskinenMost intellectual: Carina CuculizaMost outspoken: Lauren RiehleMost likely to win Dancing with the Stars: Lauren Riehle and Christina OcampoMost likely to win American Idol: Christina OcampoMost likely to bring down the house at a comedy club: Christina OcampoMost likely to make a stupid remark in a team meeting: Christina OcampoHas the messiest locker: Leticia Ras-AndericaHas the cleanest locker: Carina CuculizaWill be on a reality show: Laura HendeeWill be a head coach someday: I think I will.Most likely to be president: Leticia Ras-Anderica
